In a book, play, or series of events, the denouement is the sequence of events at the end, when things come to a conclusion.
The book's sentimental denouement is pure Hollywood.
...an unexpected denouement.
More Synonyms of denouement
denouement in British English
(deɪˈnuːmɒn) or dénouement (French denumɑ̃)
noun
1.
a.
the final clarification or resolution of a plot in a play or other work
b.
the point at which this occurs
2.
final outcome; solution
Word origin
C18: from French, literally: an untying, from dénouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des-de- + noer to tie, knot, from Latin nōdāre, from nōdus a knot; see node
denouement in American English
(ˌdeɪnuˈmɑ̃) or déˈnouement (ˌdeɪnuˈmɑ̃)
noun
1.
the outcome, solution, unraveling, or clarification of a plot in a drama, story, etc.
2.
the point in the plot where this occurs
3.
any final revelation or outcome
Word origin
Fr < dénouer, to untie < dé- (L dis-), from, out + nouer, to tie < L nodare, to knot < nodus, a knot: see node
Examples of 'denouement' in a sentence
denouement
This evasive but suggestive narrative approach renders the book 's terrible denouement at once shocking but quietly inevitable.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The final denouement involving a haggis is unworthy of all concerned.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It was a tragic denouement to a distinguished military career.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It all makes for a dramatic denouement.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There were so many players involved in the denouement.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The final denouement is properly horrifying.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In the final denouement, that glorious set pulls one last trick.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
And there's a predictable denouement that comes out of the archives.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A twisting tale had received a fittingly dramatic denouement.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A memorably complex tragic denouement has been reduced to a lovers' quarrel.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
The denouement, which comes after a painfully slow preamble, is predictable.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
And when the denouement finally comes, it's a fizzle.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is an unedifying, if dramatic, denouement.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Instead, the denouement was played out on internet message boards, where fans traded barbs back and forth.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
So I read rapidly, racing toward that dramatic denouement.
Christianity Today (2000)
1 (noun)
Definition
the final outcome or solution in a play or other work
the book's sentimental denouement
Synonyms
climax
Reaching the Olympics was the climax of her career.
conclusion
At the conclusion of the programme, viewers were invited to phone in.
finale
the finale of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony
termination
a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade
culmination
This week's events are the culmination of a long-running row between the two countries.
2 (noun)
Definition
the final outcome or solution in a play or other work
an unexpected denouement to the affair
Synonyms
outcome
It's too early to predict the outcome of the race.
end
The end justifies the means.
result
This is the result of eating too much fatty food.
consequence
Her lawyers said she understood the consequences of her actions.
resolution
a peaceful resolution to the crisis
conclusion
Executives said it was the logical conclusion of the process.
end result
upshot
So the upshot is we're going for lunch on Friday.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of conclusion
Definition
end or ending
At the conclusion of the programme, viewers were invited to phone in.
Synonyms
end,
ending,
close,
finish,
completion,
finale,
termination,
bitter end,
result
in the sense of conclusion
Definition
outcome or result
Executives said it was the logical conclusion of the process.
Synonyms
outcome,
result,
upshot,
consequence,
sequel,
culmination,
end result,
issue
in the sense of consequence
Definition
a logical result or effect
Her lawyers said she understood the consequences of her actions.