summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsə-mə-ˌrīz 

summarized; summarizing

transitive verb

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

intransitive verb

: to make a summary

summarizable

ˌsə-mə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

summarizer noun

Synonyms of summarize

• outline
• digest

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

Dave’s vision for iPlayer included an AI agent called Iggy, which helps recommend and summarize iPlayer content, and can speak to audiences in different languages. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Searching for a product is useful, but turning an invitation into a calendar event or summarizing text can save additional steps. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

But a Shedd news release summarizing the necropsy doesn’t establish whether or not transport, acclimation to a new environment, or the veterinary and husbandry care provided at the Shedd contributed to their deaths. — Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Giuffra on Friday also referred to a Cornell document that summarizes key evidence included in a university disciplinary panel’s decision. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for summarize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsəm-ə-ˌrīz 

summarized; summarizing

1

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

2

: to make a summary

summarizable

ˌsəm-ə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

summarizer noun