synopsis
Americannoun
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.
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing synopsis
List 5
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Common Senses: Op, Ops, Opt ("Sight")
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2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
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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
But this one-line synopsis also succinctly captures the film’s complexities, humor, darkness and honesty.
From Salon • Feb. 18, 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 synopsis for “F1” gives off serious “Top Gun: Maverick” energy.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025
The Educational scheme or Course established by Mr. Wopsle’s great-aunt may be resolved into the following synopsis.
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
