noun

denouement

day-noo-MAHN

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Denouement (noun) means the final part of a play, film or novel, after the climax, in which the remaining questions are answered and the plot is tied up. Example: “The murder is solved in chapter twenty, and the denouement runs for another thirty pages.”

noun

The final part of a play, film or novel, after the climax, in which the remaining questions are answered and the plot is tied up.

"The murder is solved in chapter twenty, and the denouement runs for another thirty pages."

"Critics found the denouement rushed."

The way a complicated real-life situation finally works out.

"The denouement of the takeover battle surprised everyone in the City."

How to use denouement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe bit at the end where everything gets explained and settled.

When to use it

Formal and literary. Often written with the French accent as dénouement; both spellings are accepted in English.

Memory tip

The denouement comes after the climax, not at it. If the tension is still rising, you have not reached it yet.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

climax → resolution → epilogue →

Common pairings

the final denouement a satisfying denouement dramatic denouement

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The murder is solved in chapter twenty, and the _____ runs for another thirty pages.

Etymology

From French dénouement 'an untying', from dénouer 'to untie', ultimately from Latin nodus 'knot'.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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resolution conclusion finale ending wrap-up outcome upshot

Antonyms

exposition inciting incident

Related words

last end close final issue result decision answer

Rhymes for denouement

cement element clement movement pavement tenement inclement abatement amusement statement agreement excrement

See all rhymes for denouement →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the climax and the denouement?

The climax is the peak of the tension, the moment the central conflict comes to a head. The denouement is everything after it, in which consequences play out and loose ends are tied. A thriller's climax is the confrontation; its denouement is the explanation and the aftermath.

How do you pronounce denouement?

It keeps its French shape: roughly day-noo-MAHN, with a nasal final syllable and no hard 't' sound at the end.

Is a denouement the same as an epilogue?

Not quite. The denouement is part of the main story and resolves it. An epilogue is a separate closing section, often set later in time, that comments on what happened. A story can have a denouement without an epilogue.

What is the meaning of denouement?

"denouement" (noun) means the final part of a play, film or novel, after the climax, in which the remaining questions are answered and the plot is tied up.

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