Synopsis, n.; pl. Synopses.
Etymology: [L., from Gr. optic.]
A general view, or a collection of heads or parts so arranged as to exhibit a general view of the whole; an abstract or summary of a discourse; a syllabus; a conspectus. That the reader may see in one view the exactness of the method, as well as force of the argument, I shall here draw up a short synopsis of this epistle. Bp. Warburton.
Syn. -- Abridgment; compendium; epitome; abstract; summary; syllabus; conspectus. See Abridgment.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for synopsis; he lists it under abridgment.
Where he writes about it:
An outline or synopsis is a kind of sketch closely following the plan. — from abridgment
Antonyms
none given