thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
Synonyms of thrillernext
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense

Examples of thriller in a Sentence

His latest novel is a political thriller. those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wide releases include horror film Lee Cronin's the Mummy and Bob Odenkirk in crime thriller Normal, while Anne Hathaway-starring drama Mother Mary gets a limited release. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 The 6-episode series, streaming April 14 on MHz Choice, is a character profile, crime thriller and eye-opening guide to local life. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 This engrossing and thoroughly original thriller combines racing suspense with a moving story about the need for human connection. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 Every week is shark week for me, and the new thriller Thrash brings the ocean's fiercest predators onto Main Street USA. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thriller

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thriller was in 1889

Cite this Entry

“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thriller. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

thriller

noun
thril·​ler ˈthril-ər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense

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