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 movie was unexpected and left the audience in awe. [denouement: noun]
Example
The detective's investigation led to the denouement of the crime. [denouement: noun]
finale
Example
The finale of the concert was a spectacular display of fireworks. [finale: noun]
Example
The finale of the game was intense, with both teams giving their all. [finale: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finale is more commonly used than denouement in everyday language. Finale is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while denouement is less common and refers to a specific aspect of storytelling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denouement and finale?
Both denouement and finale can be used in formal and informal contexts, but denouement may be perceived as more formal due to its association with literature and storytelling.