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

suspenseful

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl 

adjective

suspensefully

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fə-lē 

adverb

suspensefulness

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl-nəs 

noun

suspenseless

sə-ˈspen(t)s-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• abeyance
• cold storage
• deep freeze
• doldrums
• dormancy
• holding pattern
• latency
• moratorium
• quiescence
• suspended animation
• suspension

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

With puppet animation and visual inventiveness, this Adult Swim series blends satire, suspense and Latin American flair. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025

The supermarket sequence is the sensational center of this episode, full of suspense and excitement — everything this show does well. —Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The show’s habit, however, is confusing suspense with conflict. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025

The crew's interaction with the late 20th century is full of classic humor, balanced well with the suspense. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from suspendre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suspense

• in suspense
• suspense account
• the suspense is killing me

Rhymes for suspense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• incense
• intense
• missense

Kids 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

suspenseful

-fəl 

adjective