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
There’s a great twist at the end, and lots of suspense.
—
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
Are Any of the Single’s Inferno Season 4 Couples Still Together?
To preserve the suspense of Single’s Inferno, the contestants are not allowed to share anything about their dating life on social media.
—Kayti Burt, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
While the class of the AFC had America on the edge of its collective seat during the primetime window, the early Commanders-Eagles game on Fox suffered from a comparable lack of suspense.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2025
However Patel's answers those questions, there is no suspense as to how Durbin and his fellow Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote.
—Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
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Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
Are Any of the Single’s Inferno Season 4 Couples Still Together?
To preserve the suspense of Single’s Inferno, the contestants are not allowed to share anything about their dating life on social media.
—Kayti Burt, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
While the class of the AFC had America on the edge of its collective seat during the primetime window, the early Commanders-Eagles game on Fox suffered from a comparable lack of suspense.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2025
However Patel's answers those questions, there is no suspense as to how Durbin and his fellow Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote.
—Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 27 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 22 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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