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
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Example Sentences
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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
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But experts say that aside from spoiling a finale for fans, such bets could erode the very business of Hollywood.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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The finale drops on Tuesday evening.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
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In this business, the flashiest story rarely has the best ending.—
Ivan Barratt,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
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For the Knicks, this wasn’t just one season ending.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
Noun
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The non-stop nature of modern football means that these games will come straight after the conclusion of next summer’s World Cup.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
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Investors are betting that a majority of Fed policymakers will vote for a quarter-point cut at the conclusion of this week's meeting.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The sequel recently premiered, appropriately enough, in London.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
16 June 2026
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The film, which stars Ewan McGregor as the adult version of Danny Torrance, successfully bridges the gap between Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of The Shining and King's source material, and effectively works as a sequel to both.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Noun
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Alvarado spent most of his time on the float shirtless and partying, which was totally understandable in the aftermath of a championship.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Louder Than Fear, directed by Justin Krook and Michael Dwyer, documents Barker's journey to fame and his personal battles, including the aftermath of his 2008 private plane crash.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Denouement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denouement. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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