1
: comprehensive
especially
: covering the main points succinctly
2
a
: done without delay or formality : quickly executed
a summary dismissal
b
: of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding
a summary trial
plural summaries
: an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse
Synonyms
Examples of summary in a Sentence
Adjective
a summary account of the accident
obviously a one-volume encyclopedia can offer only a very summary account of the American Civil War
Noun
He concluded the report with a brief summary.
They gave a summary of their progress in building the bridge.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024
April 3 — Ukraine discovers Russian atrocities in Bucha
Russia's hasty retreat from Kyiv's suburbs revealed evidence of summary executions, beheadings, torture, rape, and other atrocities.
—Peter Weber, theweek, 14 May 2024
Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Now, Cook, 64, relies on summaries from Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s newest AI offering.
—Morgan Smith, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for summary 
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Adjective
The Virtual Assistant was able to relay what participants said almost perfectly, as well as break things down into summary topics.
—Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024
April 3 — Ukraine discovers Russian atrocities in Bucha
Russia's hasty retreat from Kyiv's suburbs revealed evidence of summary executions, beheadings, torture, rape, and other atrocities.
—Peter Weber, theweek, 14 May 2024
Noun
Officers were dispatched to Mahomes' house in Belton, Missouri, roughly 28 miles south of Kansas City, shortly after midnight Oct. 6, an incident summary from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office shows.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Now, Cook, 64, relies on summaries from Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s newest AI offering.
—Morgan Smith, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for summary
Dictionary Entries Near summary
Cite this Entry
“Summary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summary. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
summary
2 of 2 noun
plural summaries
: a short statement of the main points (as in a book or report)
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