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

suspenseful

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl 

adjective

suspensefully

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fə-lē 

adverb

suspensefulness

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl-nəs 

noun

suspenseless

sə-ˈspen(t)s-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• abeyance
• cold storage
• deep freeze
• doldrums
• dormancy
• holding pattern
• latency
• moratorium
• quiescence
• suspended animation
• suspension

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 was suspense when her grandmother trundled into the airport, two or three bags in tow. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 5 June 2024

Many categories feel like a lock, but there still is an air of suspense about a couple of the top contests. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

And then there’s that dragon, who adds layers of both suspense and sentiment to the story. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024

That only served to build the suspense in extra innings. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from suspendre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suspense

• in suspense
• suspense account
• the suspense is killing me

Kids 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

suspenseful

-fəl 

adjective