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
Synonyms
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
But Shirley’s husband is a dangerous man and soon the new couple’s burgeoning romance is thrust into a spiral of paranoia, suspense and violence.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
His performance adds a useful air of melodrama and romantic suspense to a play that is often (for better or worse) unfettered.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2025
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, plays a musician plagued by insomnia and facing an emotional breakdown in the official trailer for the suspense thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow, the first feature film from the pop star set for a May 16 theatrical release.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025
This season promises to push the limits of suspense and drama, keeping viewers glued to the action.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
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Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
His performance adds a useful air of melodrama and romantic suspense to a play that is often (for better or worse) unfettered.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2025
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, plays a musician plagued by insomnia and facing an emotional breakdown in the official trailer for the suspense thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow, the first feature film from the pop star set for a May 16 theatrical release.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025
This season promises to push the limits of suspense and drama, keeping viewers glued to the action.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense
Dictionary Entries Near suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 9 Feb. 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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