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Definitions

nutshell

[nuht-shel] / ˈnʌtˌʃɛl /
NOUN
recap
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rehash rundown summation synopsis
STRONG
abbreviation abridgment abstract analysis brief capitulation case compendium condensation conspectus core digest epitome essence extract inventory outline prospectus recapitulation reduction report review roundup run through sense skeleton sketch sum survey syllabus version
WEAK
aperçu long and short of it pandect précis résumé sum and substance summing-up wrap-up
Antonyms
STRONG
enlargement expansion extension increase unabridgement
NOUN
run through
Synonyms
STRONG
abbreviation abridgment abstract analysis brief capitulation case compendium condensation conspectus core digest epitome essence extract inventory outline prospectus recap recapitulation reduction rehash report review roundup rundown sense skeleton sketch sum summation survey syllabus synopsis version
WEAK
aperçu long and short of it pandect précis résumé sum and substance summing-up wrap-up
Antonyms
STRONG
enlargement expansion extension increase unabridgement
NOUN
summary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analysis essence outline prospectus recap rehash review rundown sketch survey synopsis version
STRONG
abbreviation abridgment abstract brief capitulation case compendium condensation conspectus core digest epitome extract inventory recapitulation reduction report roundup run through sense skeleton syllabus
WEAK
aperçu long and short of it pandect precis précis résumé sum and substance summing-up wrap-up
Antonyms
STRONG
enlargement expansion extension increase unabridgement
WEAK
detail dissertation thesis
NOUN
summing-up
Synonyms
WEAK
abbreviation abridgment abstract analysis aperçu brief capitulation case compendium condensation conspectus core digest epitome essence extract inventory long and short of it outline pandect prospectus précis recap recapitulation reduction rehash report review roundup run through rundown résumé sense skeleton sketch sum sum and substance summation survey syllabus synopsis version wrap-up
VERB
digest
Synonyms
STRONG
abbreviate abstract classify codify compress condense cut decrease epitomize inventory reduce shorten sum summarize summate survey systematize tabulate trim
WEAK
boil down cut down cut to bone get to the meat methodize put in a nutshell sum up synopsize
Antonyms
STRONG
add amplify develop disorganize enlarge expand extend fill grow increase lengthen raise strengthen
WEAK
detail misunderstand
VERB
reduce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curtail cut cut down diminish dwindle knock off lessen lower pare scale down shorten slash trim weaken
STRONG
abate abridge bankrupt break cheapen chop clip contract debase deflate depreciate depress diet dilute discount drain impair impoverish moderate pauperize rebate recede ruin shave slim taper truncate
WEAK
bant cut back go on a diet lose weight mark down roll back slow down step down take off weight taper off tone down turn down wind down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliment develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen praise prolong raise strengthen
STRONG
amplify enhance laud rise stretch upgrade
WEAK
invigorate win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In a nutshell, we think risks in private credit are significant,” the analysts wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

And, while you’re there, you’ll see the story of our golden age in a nutshell.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“In a nutshell we believe Microsoft is set to have a massive 2026 and the stock is a compelling buy at these levels,” the Wedbush team wrote.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

"In a nutshell, it's a comedy about two quite ridiculous young men and the double lives they lead," Alexander explained.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2025

Gogol’s life, in a nutshell, was a steady decline into madness.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri