synopsis

American  

[si-nop-sis] / sɪˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

synopses

1. a brief or condensed statement giving a general view of some subject.

2. a compendium of heads or short paragraphs giving a view of the whole.

3. a brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play, etc.

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synopsis British  

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

1. a condensation or brief review of a subject; summary

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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

Explanation

Synopsis is a noun meaning summary. Instead of reciting every line of the Shakespeare play you were assigned to read over the weekend, it might be more helpful for your classmates if you give them a synopsis of what happened. The ancient Greek word synopsis means “general view.” Synonyms include abridgment, as in a shortened version of a book, and brief, which is a legal word, and sketch, which is a quick outline of a story. Other synonyms include abstract, compendium, digest (the noun form), and conspectus.

Example Sentences

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

If that synopsis sounds unfair, here’s how the academic authors put it: “Rather than examining a justice’s ideology or purported method of statutory and constitutional interpretation, our focus is on outcomes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 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

He opened the programme and found a synopsis of the play, which he and Frankie read together.

From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick

Related Words

• recap
• rundown