1. the final part of a story in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved
Usage: literary term
2. the final outcome of a sequence of events; the way a situation develops or ends

Examples

• The novel’s denouement revealed the true identity of the mysterious stranger.
• In the play’s denouement, all the characters’ secrets were finally exposed.
• The denouement of the mystery left readers completely satisfied.
• After months of negotiations, the denouement was a successful merger.
• The political scandal’s denouement came with the senator’s resignation.
• The denouement of their relationship was both inevitable and heartbreaking.