Another Word for Summarize: 7 Synonyms with Examples
To summarize (British spelling: summarise) is to give the main points of something briefly. Alternatives vary in how short or formal the summary is.
As a verb: give the main points
- sum up
- outline
- recap
- condense
- abridge
- précis
- review
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- sum up
- Informal and common in speech; also means to judge quickly.
- outline
- Gives the main structure or points without detail.
- recap
- Informal; repeats the main points of something already said.
- condense
- Makes a text shorter while keeping its content.
- abridge
- Shortens a book or text, usually for publication.
- précis
- Formal; writes a short summary of a text.
Example sentences
- sum up: To sum up, the plan is cheaper and quicker to deliver.
- outline: The introduction outlines the structure of the essay.
- recap: Let me recap what we agreed last week.
- condense: She condensed a forty-page report into two pages.
- abridge: The audiobook was abridged to six hours.
- précis: Students were asked to précis the article in a hundred words.
Opposite of summarize
- expand
- elaborate
- detail
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “summarize”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: resume, sum
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “summarize”?
The most useful alternatives are “sum up”, “outline”, “recap”, “condense”, “abridge”. For the main sense (give the main points), “sum up” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “sum up” and “outline”?
sum up: Informal and common in speech; also means to judge quickly. outline: Gives the main structure or points without detail.
What is the opposite of “summarize”?
Common antonyms are “expand”, “elaborate”, “detail”.