Synonyms for Epilogue

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: An epilogue is a section at the end of a story that provides closure or extra information after the main plot concludes. Common synonyms include conclusion, finale, and coda, depending on whether you need a formal literary term or a casual phrase to signal that the narrative has ended.

Closest Synonyms for Epilogue

conclusion: The general term for the end of a speech or event, the conclusion of the book ties up loose ends.
finale: Often used for performances or major events, the grand finale brought the musical show to a dramatic close.
closing: A neutral term for shutting down something, the closing remarks acknowledged the volunteers who helped.
ending: Simple and direct, the sad ending of the movie left many viewers in tears.
denouement: A French term for the unraveling of a plot, the denouement revealed the true identity of the villain.
postscript: A note added after the main text, the postscript reminded readers to check the return address.
afterword: Written by the author after publication, the afterword explained the inspiration behind the character.
outro: Modern slang for the end of a video or song, the upbeat outro played as the credits rolled.
wrap-up: Informal for finishing business, the meeting wrap-up listed all the pending tasks.
signing off: Used in letters or broadcasts to indicate departure, he was signing off for the night.
postscriptum: The formal Latin version of postscript, the postscriptum offered a final joke to the reader.
tailpiece: An image or story added at the end of a book, the tailpiece depicted the hero leaving the village.

Formal Synonyms for Epilogue

Epiphany: The character's epiphany serves as a turning point that changes how they view the world.
Endnote: The book includes an endnote explaining the historical context of the main events.
Coda: The musical performance ends with a brief coda that repeats the final motif.
Resolution: The story reaches its resolution when the hero saves the village from danger.

Informal Synonyms for Epilogue

concluding remarks: A formal phrase indicating the final statements made by a speaker, often heard at the end of a meeting or lecture.
closing chapter: This phrase likens the end of a story to the final chapter in a book, suggesting a narrative wrap-up, like the end of a long friendship.
final bow: Originally describing an actor acknowledging applause, this phrase now means taking a final exit or ending, like a competitor retreating from a sport.
tail-end: This term refers to the very end of a sequence, often used in sports to describe the final moments of a match, like the tail-end of a basketball game.
sign-off: Commonly used in letters or emails, this phrase indicates the writer is ending their message, such as a manager signing off on a report.
last call: Originally a bar term for the final order, it is now used metaphorically for the final opportunity or ending, like the last call for comments in a meeting.
period piece: Though usually describing something set in a past era, this can be twisted to mean the final segment of a long work, like the last scene of a historical drama.
endgame: A chess term adopted widely, this refers to the final stage of a conflict or project, like the endgame of a political campaign.