synopsis

American

[si-nop-sis] / sɪˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

synopses

a brief or condensed statement giving a general view of some subject.
a compendium of heads or short paragraphs giving a view of the whole.
a brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play, etc.

synopsis British

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

a condensation or brief review of a subject; summary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See summary.

Etymology

Origin of synopsis

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin, from Greek sýnopsis, equivalent to syn- syn- + op- (suppletive stem of horân “to see”; autopsy ) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

No synopsis of the action is offered in the printed program, and Mr. Millepied’s presumption that his audience is aware of the tragedy’s plot seems reasonable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Now, the convicted killer argues that his "torturous and inhumane" detention conditions during his trial made him incapable of making rational decisions when he pleaded guilty, according to a court synopsis of the case.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

“The Housemaid” is far from the formulaic thriller its trailers and general synopsis suggest.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

It shows how the couple faced "a monumental battle, both on a professional and personal level" to defy his health problems to move home and to stage the final gig, the official synopsis said.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

I mumble a synopsis and then ask if I can be silent to tan.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023