variants
also dénouement
as in finale
formal
the final part of something (such as a book, a play, or a series of events)
In the play's denouement, the two lovers kill themselves. the competition's exciting denouement
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of denouement
The English writer James Fenton came to see the dénouement.
—
Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
For a decade, viewers have cringed at Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke’s rocky relationship, the dénouement of which is currently playing out on season ten of Summer House.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026
The denouement of the musical bears down, allowing both Barfee and Olive to bring the piece home, and where some of the show’s best music lives.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
They were staggered, self-pitying, and seemingly traumatized by the denouement of the Joe Biden years.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denouement
Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
For a decade, viewers have cringed at Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke’s rocky relationship, the dénouement of which is currently playing out on season ten of Summer House.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026
The denouement of the musical bears down, allowing both Barfee and Olive to bring the piece home, and where some of the show’s best music lives.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
They were staggered, self-pitying, and seemingly traumatized by the denouement of the Joe Biden years.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denouement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denouement
Noun
-
Even then, the finale’s other and perhaps more glaring pitfall is an uneven perspective.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
-
The Angels and Rays will meet Sunday afternoon in the series finale, with the three-game set tied at one game apiece.—
Chantz Martin OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
As a researcher tells Mary during the film’s abrupt ending, there are openings to the Backrooms appearing all over the place, and the company is dedicated to uncovering its secrets.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
But not every egg freezing story has such a happy ending.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The officials spoke for roughly two hours, according to a person familiar with the matter, but no announcement has been made since the meeting’s conclusion earlier today.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Ultimately, the employee retired before the case's conclusion.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The film stars Alan Ritchson, who is likely to return for the sequel, and follows the final recruits of a grueling Special Ops boot camp who encounter a mysterious deadly force.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
-
Like most sequels, Beckham’s second act with the Giants will likely pale in comparison to the original.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
But the aftermath of Nora’s death forces Cal to find a new way forward, and his emotions surrounding his journey to adulthood feel both specific and universal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Two weeks later, Colin Farrell returns as Los Angeles private detective John Sugar in Sugar Season 2, which continues in the aftermath of Season 1's explosive finale and plunges deeper into a citywide conspiracy.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Denouement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denouement. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
