deus ex machina

[dey-uhs eks mah-kuh-nuh, dee-uhs eks mak-uh-nuh] / ˈdeɪ əs ɛks ˈmɑ kə nə, ˈdi əs ɛks ˈmæk ə nə /

NOUN

unconvincing character who resolves plot

Synonyms

WEAK

contrivance device divine intervention gimmick god in the machine happy coincidence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For Apple, as for Jobs, the whole episode involved the kind of deus ex machina you could never get away with in fiction.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Although some have deluded themselves into thinking the contrary, there will be no deus ex machina moment to stop this from happening.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2024

The production, which was at the Park Avenue Armory earlier this season, has arrived at the St. James Theatre in the role of deus ex machina, rescuing Broadway from its hidebound habits.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

After the recitation of an ancient Roman novel falls apart, what deus ex machina could save the show?

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2024

The happy end brought about by a divinity, the deus ex machina, is a common device with Euripides alone of the three tragic poets.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton