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.
Much like how a calculator can instantly solve mathematical equations too long for the human brain to compute, generative AI can help someone quickly summarize long articles and draft emails. — Roger Beaty, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 Apple Intelligence can summarize notifications, messages and emails. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 In the excerpt below, Cope summarizes their stark differences — and even more striking similarities. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 Expedia’s assistant, Romie, is powered by ChatGPT and can help users build itineraries, summarize travel plans discussed in group chats and more. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 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

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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 Nov. 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
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