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
After seasons and seasons of suspense, Tracy McConnell — played by Cristin Milioti — was revealed to be Ted's wife and mother to their two children.
—
Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Some of the effects may have become dated, but the suspense definitely has not.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
This is mostly an over-the-top spy thriller with wild shootouts, great suspense and some really intense action, but this scene took it to another level entirely.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
After a chaotic 90 seconds that included six penalties, Campbell sacked Young on fourth down to end the suspense.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Some of the effects may have become dated, but the suspense definitely has not.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
This is mostly an over-the-top spy thriller with wild shootouts, great suspense and some really intense action, but this scene took it to another level entirely.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
After a chaotic 90 seconds that included six penalties, Campbell sacked Young on fourth down to end the suspense.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share