The adjective “synoptic,” like the noun “synopsis” from which it is derived, is based on the Greek adjective synoptikos, meaning “seeing the whole together.” The first three Gospels are known as the Synoptic Gospels because, when printed in parallel columns and “seen together,” they exhibit numerous striking verbal and literary similarities. See Glossary by David Aune, “Synoptic Gospels,” BR 06:06.