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
The dinosaurs revert to instinct and viciously attack humans, thereby creating chilling suspense for audiences.
—
Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
An uphill finish adds suspense to a normally low-key last day.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 4 July 2025
But the suspense mechanics never develop much momentum and despite solid performances, the script lacks sufficient depth to work as a serious character drama.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025
Kershaw, not usually concerned with personal milestones, really did want No. 3,000 badly this night, to reward the home fans (and to avoid having to prolong the suspense until his next start next week in Milwaukee).
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
An uphill finish adds suspense to a normally low-key last day.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 4 July 2025
But the suspense mechanics never develop much momentum and despite solid performances, the script lacks sufficient depth to work as a serious character drama.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025
Kershaw, not usually concerned with personal milestones, really did want No. 3,000 badly this night, to reward the home fans (and to avoid having to prolong the suspense until his next start next week in Milwaukee).
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 3 July 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 16 Jul. 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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