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Definitions

gist

[jist] / dʒɪst /
NOUN
meaning, essence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
summary tenor upshot
STRONG
basis bearing burden core drift force heart idea import kernel keynote marrow matter meat pith point quintessence score sense short significance soul spirit stuff subject substance theme thrust topic
WEAK
bottom line name of the game nature of the beast nitty gritty nuts and bolts punch line
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority insignificance meaninglessness surface

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.

The gist of the message was: "We have lots of young, motivated people looking for vocational training and we're wondering if you're interested."

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

This has been the gist of every serious analysis of Europe’s economy for the past several decades, the most recent of which was prepared in 2024 by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

The gist was: We can run more tests if you want, but everything seems fine.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2025

The gist of it, expressed through a narrative montage of Ellie’s 15th through 19th birthdays, is that Joel always tried.

From Salon • May 19, 2025

“You sure got you good walls in this building, babe,” Mrs. Reilly said, unable to comprehend the gist of the argument on the other side of the wall.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.