What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denouement
Example
The denouement of the novel revealed the true identity of the murderer. [denouement: noun]
Example
The movie's denouement tied up all the loose ends and answered all the questions. [denouement: noun]
ending
Example
The ending of the play left the audience in tears. [ending: noun]
Example
The movie's ending was unexpected and left the viewers stunned. [ending: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ending is more commonly used than denouement in everyday language. Ending is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while denouement is a more specific term that is mainly used in literary or film criticism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denouement and ending?
Denouement is more formal and literary than ending. It is typically used in academic or critical writing, while ending can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
