DENOUEMENT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

denouement

noun

variants also dénouement

Definition of denouement

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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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 Not in the sense of maximising their chances of lifting the trophy, though defeats in the last two FA Cup finals have marked out Pep Guardiola’s side as surprisingly beatable at the denouement of this particular competition. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 15 May 2026 Her plea will spare a lengthy discovery period and likely mark the legal denouement of a federal probe that shook Sacramento after the FBI recorded dozens of lobbyists in the summer of 2024 as part of the investigation. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 Over the course of the series’ six episodes, their relationship waxes and wanes, but continues to cast a shadow over their fates until the finale’s electrifying denouement. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 The series begins in 1933 when Gies takes a job working for Frank and follows her through the outbreak of the war, the ordeal of occupation and the melancholy denouement that sees Otto emerge as the lone survivor from the attic. — David Faris, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denouement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denouement

Noun

So … put me down for 6-6 with a win over NC State (which lost 34-8 at Virginia on Saturday) in the finale to clinch a bowl game.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Three episodes dropped August 12, with weekly releases through the September 16 finale.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of finale

Noun

At Mattel, cultural relevance came with a blockbuster ending.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Earlier this summer, speculation regarding Ariana Grande’s weight and body image reached a fever pitch after the singer announced her retreat from public life following the ending of her ongoing tour next week.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ending

Noun

Despite the lack of outward signs in Ocean Springs, Nolan’s death has come to mean different things to different people and a lack of answers from authorities has left residents drawing their own conclusions about the circumstances of his death.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Trump faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran on Friday reached a six-month milestone with no conclusion in sight.

— Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of conclusion

Noun

Asked about previously describing the aftermath as losing more than half of his family — including Nick — Jake acknowledged that his brother’s arrest has compounded his grief.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
William Shatner's performances in the aftermath of both are among the best of his career.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of aftermath

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Style

“Denouement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denouement. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of denouement

noun

Example Sentences

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