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
Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2023
By the occupying Nazis' decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution.
—Monika Scislowska, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for summary 
Adjective
In McCarthy’s Central Valley congressional district, the most Republican in the Golden State, many residents fumed about the summary political execution of California’s first Republican speaker of the House.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2023
By the occupying Nazis' decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution.
—Monika Scislowska, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for summary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'summary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near summary
Cite this Entry
“Summary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summary. Accessed 4 May. 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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