suspense
noun
sus·pense
sə-ˈspen(t)s 
1
: the state of being suspended : suspension
2
a
: mental uncertainty : anxiety
b
: pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome
a novel of suspense
3
: the state or character of being undecided or doubtful : indecisiveness
Examples of suspense in a Sentence
I can't bear the suspense.
The suspense builds as the story progresses.
Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense.
The movie is a suspense thriller.
Recent Examples on the Web
The suspense in Season 5 doesn’t pivot solely on whether the Hawkins crew can defeat Vecna and who among them will survive the final battle.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2025
Codirectors Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani depict the animals’ urgent plight from various angles with suspense and precision, capturing expansive vistas and shady nighttime dealings.
—Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
Not to mention wealth, secrets, suspense and more!
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
Wicks explained before killing 231 bills on Friday by holding them in the suspense file.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2025
Codirectors Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani depict the animals’ urgent plight from various angles with suspense and precision, capturing expansive vistas and shady nighttime dealings.
—Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
Not to mention wealth, secrets, suspense and more!
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
Wicks explained before killing 231 bills on Friday by holding them in the suspense file.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
suspense
noun
sus·pense
sə-ˈspen(t)s
1
: the state of being suspended : suspension
2
a
: mental uncertainty : anxiety
b
: pleasant excitement caused by wondering what will happen
a novel of suspense
3
: the state of being undecided
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