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
There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Check out the trailer above and see series details below.
PREVIOUS, Jan. 28: Peacock has slotted Thursday, March 13 for the premiere of Long Bright River, its upcoming suspense thriller series based on Liz Moore’s bestseller, starring and executive produced by Amanda Seyfried.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
His dollies through agrarian acres are not meant to drum up suspense.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
But those elements aren’t developed with sufficient care, and regardless, the suspense over what is or isn’t going on with Helen has greater interest.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Check out the trailer above and see series details below.
PREVIOUS, Jan. 28: Peacock has slotted Thursday, March 13 for the premiere of Long Bright River, its upcoming suspense thriller series based on Liz Moore’s bestseller, starring and executive produced by Amanda Seyfried.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
His dollies through agrarian acres are not meant to drum up suspense.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
But those elements aren’t developed with sufficient care, and regardless, the suspense over what is or isn’t going on with Helen has greater interest.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 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 9 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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