thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: 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.
The first weekend in October has been a rich launch pad for femme thriller movies, particularly those based on bestsellers, i.e. 2014’s Gone Girl ($37.5M) and 2016’s The Girl on the Train ($24.5M opening). Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 July 2025 The dark thriller centers on a struggling novelist desperate for inspiration who believes his muse has appeared in the form of a drunk, psychotic decorator. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 July 2025 Sisyphus, Nostromo Films and Brainstorm Media have confirmed the spy thriller will debut in October, via Brainstorm Media for the U.S. and Canada and in partnership with High Fliers Films in Britain. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025 Then, Kansas City scored twice during stoppage time to pull off a thriller of a victory. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 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 15 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on thriller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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