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
Stories in which mystery and suspense and fear — stories replete with the trappings of the supernatural — were vehicles for lessons, for learning, for slices of life.
—
Christa Carmen, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
GammaTime launched this month on iOS and Android devices with more than 20 Hollywood-caliber vertical originals spanning suspense thriller, romantic melodramas and true crime.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
In a small and plainly shot movie that spends most of its time on Gaslighting 101, sublimates its true premise into the stuff of a late reveal, and whose only sequence of genre-forward suspense is a predictable snooze, such rare moments of real texture stand out all too much.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
The owners noted that most shops confine horror to one shelf and blend it with mystery, thriller, and suspense.
—Jennifer Billock, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Christa Carmen, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
GammaTime launched this month on iOS and Android devices with more than 20 Hollywood-caliber vertical originals spanning suspense thriller, romantic melodramas and true crime.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
In a small and plainly shot movie that spends most of its time on Gaslighting 101, sublimates its true premise into the stuff of a late reveal, and whose only sequence of genre-forward suspense is a predictable snooze, such rare moments of real texture stand out all too much.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
The owners noted that most shops confine horror to one shelf and blend it with mystery, thriller, and suspense.
—Jennifer Billock, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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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