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
-
Catcher Will Smith did not play Sunday because of neck stiffness, despite Roberts predicting the catcher would return for the series finale.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
-
Taj Bradley is lined up for the series opener and Zebby Matthews for the finale.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Popularized by a beer commercial during the 1986 World Cup, it’s used to rally on teams with its repetitive (albeit nonsensical) syllables as well as its upbeat ending.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
Prince also excelled at crafting perfect song endings, and this is undoubtedly one of his best.—
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson,
VIBE.com,
7 June 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
-
Photos from the local information office in General Santos City, which has about 720,000 people, showed convenience stores and buildings crumbling in the aftermath of the quake.—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
Variations in measurements by different agencies are common in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Denouement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denouement. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
