definitions

synoptic

[ si-nop-tik ]
/ sɪˈnɒp tɪk /
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adjective

pertaining to or constituting a synopsis; affording or taking a general view of the principal parts of a subject.
(often initial capital letter) taking a common view: used chiefly in reference to the first three Gospels (synoptic Gospels), Matthew, Mark, and Luke, from their similarity in content, order, and statement.
(often initial capital letter) pertaining to the synoptic Gospels.

Nearby words

synonymy, synop., synophthalmia, synopsis, synopsize, synoptic, synoptic chart, synoptic meteorology, synoptist, synorchidism, synoscheos
Sometimes syn·op·ti·cal.

Origin of synoptic

1755–65; < Greek synoptikós, equivalent to synop- (see synopsis) + -tikos -tic

Related forms

syn·op·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·syn·op·tic, adjective, nounnon·syn·op·ti·cal, adjectivenon·syn·op·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for synoptic

synoptic

/ (sɪˈnɒptɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to a synopsis
(often capital) Bible
  1. (of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke) presenting the narrative of Christ's life, ministry, etc from a point of view held in common by all three, and with close similarities in content, order, etc
  2. of, relating to, or characterizing these three Gospels
meteorol showing or concerned with the distribution of meteorological conditions over a wide area at a given timea synoptic chart

noun

(often capital) Bible
  1. any of the three synoptic Gospels
  2. any of the authors of these three Gospels

Derived Forms

synoptically, adverbsynoptist, noun

Word Origin for synoptic

C18: from Greek sunoptikos, from synopsis
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