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”; cf. 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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Common Senses: Op, Ops, Opt ("Sight")
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
But this one-line synopsis also succinctly captures the film’s complexities, humor, darkness and honesty.
From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026
So far, so clear, but even given the program’s three-sentence synopsis, what unfolds around the vain King fails to deliver narrative clarity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 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
A synopsis by the trust, which released its latest findings in May, said Los Angeles “has one of the most challenged big-city park systems in America.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025
He opened the programme and found a synopsis of the play, which he and Frankie read together.
From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick
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.
