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
On May 16, The Weeknd will bring his album Hurry Up Tomorrow, which topped the Billboard 200, to the big screen as a suspense thriller.
—
Joe Lynch, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
One thing Alexi is really good at is creating suspense, even in the read.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its delicate and unique tone, which is haunting and dreamlike yet clear in its intentions; the script skillfully balances humor, tragedy, and suspense without ever losing sight of its larger philosophical concerns related to identity and memory.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025
Pollack delivers some standout suspense scenes, but the best moments feature Redford wandering the New York streets and realizing anyone could be a threat.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Joe Lynch, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
One thing Alexi is really good at is creating suspense, even in the read.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its delicate and unique tone, which is haunting and dreamlike yet clear in its intentions; the script skillfully balances humor, tragedy, and suspense without ever losing sight of its larger philosophical concerns related to identity and memory.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025
Pollack delivers some standout suspense scenes, but the best moments feature Redford wandering the New York streets and realizing anyone could be a threat.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 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 30 Mar. 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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