summary

10 synonyms and 7 antonyms for summary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

overview digest compact

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

synopsis recap rundown precis succinct drumhead compendious

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.

“She gave the board a one-page summary of the quarterly results.”

synopsis overview digest recap rundown precis

2. adj

Brief and to the point.

“The manager gave a summary reply that covered only the main points.”

succinct drumhead compendious compact

Opposites

protracted circuitous roundabout

3. adj

Done quickly, without following the usual formal steps.

“The soldiers were accused of carrying out summary executions.”

Opposites

ceremonious formal punctilious slow

How to use summary

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a brief summary summary judgment in summary

Etymology

From Latin summa ("total, sum") plus the adjective ending -arius, via Medieval Latin summarius.

Full origin of summary →

Frequently asked questions

What does “summary” mean?

The word “summary” means a short version of a longer text that covers only the main points. In plain terms, a short recap of the important parts of something longer — or, as an adjective, something done fast without the normal formalities.

How do you pronounce “summary”?

“Summary” is pronounced SUHM-uh-ree (/ˈsʌm.ə.ɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “summary” in a sentence?

Here is “summary” used in a sentence: “She gave the board a one-page summary of the quarterly results.”

What part of speech is “summary”?

Depending on how it is used, “summary” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “summary” come from?

The word “summary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Latin summa ("total, sum") plus the adjective ending -arius, via Medieval Latin summarius.

Is “summary” a common word?

“Summary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “summary” have?

“Summary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.

What is the difference between a summary and an abstract?

A summary is a short version of a longer text covering only its main points, and can be written for almost any kind of material. An abstract is a specific type of summary placed at the start of an academic or research paper to outline its purpose, method, and findings.

What is the difference between a summary and a synopsis?

A summary condenses the main points of any text into a shorter form. A synopsis usually outlines the plot or storyline of a narrative work such as a film, novel, or play, often following the sequence of events rather than just listing key ideas.

People also searched

slow formal overview compact digest roundabout protracted recap synopsis succinct circuitous punctilious

Nearby words

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