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
The fourth cycle, Scotland, is wonderfully atmospheric, filled with suspense and romanticized landscapes.
—
Ernesto Lechner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
In addition to The Invisible Half, EST N8’s sales titles include suspense drama Dear Stranger, horror films The Hole and Pabrik Gula, as well as Korean action film Mash Ville, among others.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
That builds tension and suspense.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Ernesto Lechner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
In addition to The Invisible Half, EST N8’s sales titles include suspense drama Dear Stranger, horror films The Hole and Pabrik Gula, as well as Korean action film Mash Ville, among others.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
That builds tension and suspense.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 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 16 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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