Summary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈsə-mə-rē/ sum·ma·ry

Meaning & Definition of Summary

Summary (adjective)

  1. comprehensive; especially, covering the main points succinctly
  2. done without delay or formality, quickly executed
  3. of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding

Summary (noun)

  1. an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse

Summary (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a short statement of the main points

    "many book reports choose to begin with a summary of the book"

    similar: abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up
    related: abbreviation, abridgment, compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening, simplification, streamlining, rehash, reprise, conclusion, epilogue
    near: amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum, supplement

Summary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning

    "obviously a one-volume encyclopedia can offer only a very summary account of the American Civil War"

    similar: aphoristic, apothegmatic, brief, capsule, compact, compendious, concise, crisp, curt, elliptical, epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, telegraphic, terse, thumbnail
    related: abrupt, blunt, brusque, short, snippety, snippy, abbreviated, abridged, condensed, curtailed, shortened, meaty, substantial, meaningful, significant, well-turned
    opposite: circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy
    near: pleonastic, redundant, repetitious, tautological, tautologous, enlarged, expanded, supplemented, embellished, embroidered, exaggerated, inflated

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Summary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Summary:

abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up, aphoristic, apothegmatic, compact, compendious, concise, crisp, curt, elliptical, epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, telegraphic, terse

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Summary

Words with the opposite meaning of Summary:

circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy

Related Words for Summary

abbreviation, abridgment, compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening, simplification, streamlining, rehash, reprise, conclusion, epilogue, abrupt, blunt, brusque, short, snippety, snippy, abbreviated, abridged, condensed, curtailed, shortened, meaty, substantial, meaningful, significant, well-turned

Near Antonyms of Summary

amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum, supplement, pleonastic, redundant, repetitious, tautological, tautologous, enlarged, expanded, supplemented, embellished, embroidered, exaggerated, inflated

Word Forms of Summary

Inflections: summaries

Derived words: summarily (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Summary

Middle English, from Medieval Latin summarius, from Latin summa sum

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Summary

Words & Phrases Containing Summary

summary judgment, summary proceeding, in summary

Frequently Asked Questions about Summary

What does "Summary" mean?

"Summary" means comprehensive; especially, covering the main points succinctly. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: comprehensive; especially, covering the main points succinctly. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Summary"?

Other words for "Summary" include abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation and epitome. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Summary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Summary"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Summary". Common alternatives include abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory and outline.

What is the opposite of "Summary"?

Antonyms of "Summary" include circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose and windy. Near antonyms include amplification, enlargement, expansion and addendum.

How do you use "Summary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Summary" in a sentence: "many book reports choose to begin with a summary of the book"; "obviously a one-volume encyclopedia can offer only a very summary account of the American Civil War".

Is "Summary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Summary" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Summary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Summary" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Summary"?

"Summary" is pronounced /ˈsə-mə-rē/ and divided into syllables as sum·ma·ry.