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synopsis

synopsis

23 4.7
A short summary of the main points of a book or article
  • noun
  • /sɪˈnɑːp.sɪs/
translation icon : sinopsis
  • The teacher asked for a brief synopsis of the novel before the discussion.
  • a brief synopsis
  • a short synopsis
  • write a synopsis

It's a one page synopsis of a story called Zen.

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Examples

  • Each lesson has a story synopsis and activities, including extensions for longer classes.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The action of the pageant was presented in pantomime, with a narrator providing a synopsis of each scene.

    Academic text (2002)
  • So can anyone give me kind of a synopsis of what a straight line program is?

  • For more on this, see a synopsis of a Tax Policy Center report here.

    Blog text (13)
  • Give me a synopsis of it and give me your thoughts about it.

  • Let me first give you a brief synopsis of the situation.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Members of the resident panel received a brief synopsis of Session 1 in the mail.

    Academic text (2001)
  • I will begin with a very quick synopsis of anti-dumping law in the United States and Canada.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Before discussing this, a brief synopsis of the industry's organization is given.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Willie, will you give us a synopsis of Catcher in the Rye?

Synonyms

survey
vssynopsis
580 3.1

A short summary that describes the main events or points

is a concise description focused on texts or arguments rather than events
summary
vssynopsis
397 2.7

A short statement giving the main points without details

is a broader general survey that covers main ideas rather than only facts
overview
vssynopsis
74 3.8

A short summary of the main points of something

is more focused on concise presentation of central points rather than wide scope
brief
vssynopsis
67 4.2

A short written summary of a longer document

is a short general survey of main ideas rather than only essential facts
rundown
vssynopsis
65 3.9

A short report that gives the main points of an event or meeting

is a general survey for texts arguments or theories rather than only events
outline
vssynopsis
59 2.7

A short plan that shows the main points of something

is a connected short survey presenting the main points rather than a list
sketch
vssynopsis
56 3.5

A short account that gives the main points about something

is a smoother more complete survey rather than a rough quick picture
capsule
vssynopsis
  • Literature
37 5.1

A short summary that gives the main points of a text

is a broader descriptive survey rather than a highly condensed note
abstract
vssynopsis
  • Specialized
20 5.5

A short summary of the main points of a paper

is broader and not limited to academic or scholarly presentations
cheat sheet
vssynopsis
8 3.4

A small note with key facts to use for quick reference or during a test

is a general descriptive survey of main points not a study aid
review
vssynopsis
5 1.9

A short summary that repeats the main points

is a general survey not necessarily meant to repeat a prior presentation
summing up
vssynopsis
  • Formal
4 4.4

A short statement of the main points at the end of a meeting or court case

is a general survey that can appear anywhere, not only as a final recap
brief overview
vssynopsis
3 2.6

A short summary of the main points

is a general survey that may include context beyond core features
précis
vssynopsis
  • Formal
1 8.2

A short clear summary of the main points of a text or speech

is less tightly condensed, giving a general survey rather than extreme brevity
epitome
vssynopsis
1 7.7

A short summary of the main points of a text

is a general survey covering main points, not just a compact gist
headnote
vssynopsis
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A short note at the start of a text that gives its main points

is a general survey of main points that does not imply placement in text
topline
vssynopsis
  • Jargon
1 4.3

A short summary of the main points

is a broader survey covering overall main ideas, not only top results
sum-up
vssynopsis
1 3.9

A short description of the main points

is a broader general survey rather than only a very short account
recapitulation
vssynopsis
  • Formal
1 7.8

A short summary that repeats the main points

is a general survey rather than a focused restating of earlier material
briefer
vssynopsis
  • Formal
4.0

A short written summary of the main facts

is a wider survey of main points not focused on instructions

How Detailed

synopsis
23 4.7
outline
59 2.7

Surface Forms

synopsis singular
synopses plural

Etymology

Synopsis comes from Greek parts syn meaning 'together' and opsis meaning 'view', so it originally meant a 'seeing together'. So a synopsis is a quick, short look at the whole story or the main points, which is why we use it for a brief summary.