thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
Synonyms of thrillernext
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense

Examples of thriller in a Sentence

His latest novel is a political thriller. those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The crime thriller has Gray having helmed a semi-fictionalized return to his family life in mid-1980s Queens and is also a companion piece to his 2022 film Armageddon Time. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 The horror-thriller premiered out of competition on Monday night to a seven-minute standing ovation, and Thatcher is still feeling the rush. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 20 May 2026 Mae Martin followed up their breakthrough rom-dramedy Feel Good with the cult thriller Wayward. Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026 Would Almodóvar entertain a thriller involving the current right wing state of the world? Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for thriller

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thriller was in 1889

Cite this Entry

“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thriller. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

thriller

noun
thril·​ler ˈthril-ər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense

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