summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsə-mə-ˌrīz How to pronounce summarize (audio)
summarized; summarizing
Synonyms of summarize

transitive verb

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

intransitive verb

: to make a summary
summarizable
ˌsə-mə-ˈrī-zə-bəl How to pronounce summarize (audio)
adjective
summarizer noun

Synonyms of summarize

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Examples of summarize in a Sentence

I would like to take a moment to summarize the facts that I presented earlier. He summarized by saying we needed better planning and implementation. To summarize, we need better schools.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This document verifies that your insurance policy is active and summarizes your business coverage. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 To summarize Tua Tagovailoa’s six years with the Miami Dolphins is not simple. — Greg Cote august 27, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Fuller’s ideas are hard to summarize, but always seem to reach toward a utopian vision of escaping the drudgery of everyday life. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the most memorable moments comes at the film’s end, when Wadsworth runs about the mansion, trying to summarize the night’s events and explain the identity of the killer. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for summarize

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of summarize was in 1832

Rhymes for summarize

See All Rhymes for summarize

Browse Nearby Words

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summarize
summary
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Cite this Entry

“Summarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summarize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

summarize

verb
sum·​ma·​rize ˈsəm-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce summarize (audio)
summarized; summarizing
1
: to tell in or reduce to a summary
2
: to make a summary
summarizable
ˌsəm-ə-ˈrī-zə-bəl How to pronounce summarize (audio)
adjective
summarizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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