suspenseful

Definition of suspensefulnext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of suspenseful There’s a crazy, almost anarchic narrative logic that keeps it zigging and zagging unpredictably from the high-speed chase around precarious mountain roads to the suspenseful near disaster of the climax, in which nature gets angry, and the triumphant eco solution that saves the day. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026 So, David and I agreed to hang a series of suspenseful, tense events that might follow from grown-ups making mistakes, then trying to fix them. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 1 Mar. 2026 Things like responding to stressful work emails or watching suspenseful shows can also keep your brain going. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026 Among moments of dubious dubbing and peculiar acting, the film delivers some genuinely suspenseful sequences, and Juan Mariné's cinematography is colorful and well-polished. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026 As seen in a black-and-white teaser for Squarespace’s 12th Super Bowl appearance, titled Unavailable, Stone is breathing heavily with tears forming in her eyes before the camera pans to a suspenseful shot of a mysterious building sitting atop a small island. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 Advertisement The imprisonment and death of Aldo Moro There is a lot of ambiguity and speculation around the abduction and death of Aldo Moro, which lets The Big Fake turn conspiracy into suspenseful drama that keeps Toni close to the epicenter of the kidnapping. Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026 Thanks to this backdrop, Friday’s BOJ meeting was the least suspenseful in ages. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 It’s made all the more suspenseful for its lead characters’ honest and realistic antics. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspenseful
Adjective
  • The combination was enthralling and uplifting, and a great way to keep the energy high into the night.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
  • For the Apple team, the second demo was truly enthralling.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Play, the taut, engrossing and beautifully scripted play is evocatively and creatively staged by director Kim Strassburger in an arena-style production in Cygnet’s black-box Dottie Studio Theatre.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But between their superb music and equally engrossing live show, Wednesday's fate is looking far more promising.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Now, three books in, Rainey remains my alter ego, a riveting car-crash girl who keeps me up thinking at night.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In essence, Bright Lights, Big City, instead of being emotionally provoking and riveting, is distressingly gray and tedious, enlivened only by Fox’s gifted histrionics.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most regions in the country are brimming with high-end hotels and charming bed and breakfasts, but staying at an Airbnb is a very Parent Trap move that gives you a closer connection to the area.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
  • As charming as this set of tracks is, why release them now?
    Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Visually and viscerally, Bright Lights is about as captivating and unremarkable as municipal building artwork.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The show’s two leads, Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, are captivating, yes, but the real magic lies in the soundtrack.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each program brought intriguing storylines, and some featured All-Americans who proved to be more than just ballers.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Fustic has always attracted an intriguing crowd—Messel’s social orbit famously overlapped with British royalty, and even Princess Margaret once stopped by during its transformation.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Look out for talks by Sarah Wynn-Williams on her bestselling memoir lifting the lid on her time at Facebook; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall discussing his campaign to get people to eat more fibre; and Anthony Horowitz talking about his latest gripping thriller with author Joe Haddow.
    Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
  • This is without a doubt the most gripping season yet.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Rooms are in muted tones of grey, green, and dusky blue, and even the smallest have plenty of space with king-size beds and a table and chairs—the city views are more interesting, but the ones overlooking the courtyard have dinky Juliette balconies as a consolation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Just one last, quick point on your interesting interview with Governor Moore.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suspenseful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspenseful. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on suspenseful

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster