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 most successful educational creators behave less like teachers and more like filmmakers, using narrative, suspense and emotional investment to transform specialized subjects into mass-market entertainment.
—
Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
This year, McVay avoided any pretense of suspense.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
In this suspense thriller, Kipp — a telepathic Golden Retriever — is determined to protect Woody, a young non-verbal boy investigating the suspicious death of his father.
—Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
And then, her par putt on 18 – measured at 2 feet, 10 inches – spun tantalizingly around the rim of the cup before dropping in and ending the suspense.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
This year, McVay avoided any pretense of suspense.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
In this suspense thriller, Kipp — a telepathic Golden Retriever — is determined to protect Woody, a young non-verbal boy investigating the suspicious death of his father.
—Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
And then, her par putt on 18 – measured at 2 feet, 10 inches – spun tantalizingly around the rim of the cup before dropping in and ending the suspense.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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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