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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 /


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.

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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

Jeeves is a deus ex machina; we learn almost nothing about him, except for imperturbability and skill at solving the crises that Bertie falls into through his pure cloth-headedness.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 18, 2025

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

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

Every Greek drama needs a deus ex machina.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides



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