Synopsys Timing Constraints And Optimization User Guide -

The guide explains the 15 options of report_timing . The most powerful is -path_type :

Once constraints are set, the optimization engine takes over. Synopsys tools use a "cost function" to minimize Total Negative Slack (TNS) and Worst Negative Slack (WNS). Critical Optimization Steps: Synopsys Timing Constraints And Optimization User Guide