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
Start the new year with a little extra suspense.
—
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
And, the heightened level of suspense, coupled with the reader’s invitation to examine the complexities of the human heart, definitely makes this book a must-read.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
Later in the year, an Assembly bill requiring data centers to disclose their electricity use was placed in the Senate’s suspense file – where appropriations committees often quietly halt measures.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 29 Dec. 2025
Readers who savor wordplay as much as suspense should look up this clever mystery.
—Ron Charles, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
And, the heightened level of suspense, coupled with the reader’s invitation to examine the complexities of the human heart, definitely makes this book a must-read.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
Later in the year, an Assembly bill requiring data centers to disclose their electricity use was placed in the Senate’s suspense file – where appropriations committees often quietly halt measures.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 29 Dec. 2025
Readers who savor wordplay as much as suspense should look up this clever mystery.
—Ron Charles, CBS News, 28 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 5 Jan. 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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