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
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Karma The crime K-drama Karma delivers much of its suspense through a nonlinear narrative.
—
Kayti Burt, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
The key to Hitchcock suspense is not about the blood.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
There wasn’t a lot of suspense going into Monday’s Supreme Court argument in Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 31 Mar. 2025
New York Mets: Most Valuable Player Last: Never Francisco Lindor was the MVP runner-up last season, but the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani collected every first-place vote, so there wasn’t much suspense.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Kayti Burt, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
The key to Hitchcock suspense is not about the blood.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
There wasn’t a lot of suspense going into Monday’s Supreme Court argument in Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 31 Mar. 2025
New York Mets: Most Valuable Player Last: Never Francisco Lindor was the MVP runner-up last season, but the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani collected every first-place vote, so there wasn’t much suspense.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 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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