synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
plural synopses sə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
Synonyms of synopsis
1
: a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise) : abstract
2
: the abbreviated conjugation of a verb in one person only

Synonyms of synopsis

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Examples of synopsis in a Sentence

I don't need to know every little plot twist; just give me a synopsis of the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a coup leaves her family dead, Azaleah becomes a fugitive whose very presence promises disaster, according to the book’s synopsis. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 No synopsis for Tender Loving Care has been provided on either the San Sebastian or TIFF website. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Until very recently this felt like an apt synopsis of my own creative process. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 That does seem to be an accurate synopsis of how many people see Cooper. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for synopsis

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, comprehensive view, from synopsesthai to be going to see together, from syn- + opsesthai to be going to see — more at optic

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synopsis was in 1603

Rhymes for synopsis

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Browse Nearby Words

synonymy
synopsis
synopsize
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Cite this Entry

“Synopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synopsis. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

synopsis

noun
syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
: a brief statement or outline (as of a story)

More from Merriam-Webster on synopsis

Nglish: Translation of synopsis for Spanish Speakers

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