What does synopses mean?
Synopses are brief, condensed accounts of a book, film, play, television episode, or other work. They give readers or viewers a clear outline of the principal subjects, events, or arguments without presenting the complete narrative. The term is common in publishing, broadcasting, academia, and entertainment, where concise descriptions are used to market works or help audiences understand their structure. A synopsis may preserve the main sequence of events, but it usually omits detailed characterization, explanation, and commentary. The plural “synopses” is frequently used when several works or parts are being described together. Although the word can suggest a particularly concise or selective presentation, it is not inherently dismissive: in some contexts, a set of synopses provides an efficient overview of a substantial subject.
noun, pluralSynopses are brief summaries of a book, film, play, episode, or other work, intended to present its main content or outline without reproducing the full account.
- Brief summaries or outlines of works, ideas, events, or bodies of information.
"The publisher added synopses to the back of each edition to help readers understand the series."
"The streaming service publishes synopses for every episode in its new documentary series."
"Her lecture notes consist of synopses of the major arguments made in each research paper."
The plural of the singular noun “synopsis,” used when referring to two or more summaries or outlines.
"The archive contains synopses of hundreds of films made during the silent era."
A synopsis began as a way of seeing the whole story together: the word literally means a “seeing together” of things that are normally viewed separately.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synopses come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek synopsis, formed from syn-, meaning “together,” and opsis, meaning “sight” or “view.” The Greek term referred to a comprehensive view assembled from different parts. English began using “synopsis” in the early 17th century for a brief account or overview, and the modern sense developed as the word came to describe summaries of literary and dramatic works.
Related word forms
How synopses is actually used
A synopsis is normally shorter and more focused than a full summary. “Synopses” is the plural form of the singular “synopsis.”