Synonyms of thriller

thriller

noun

ˈthri-lər 

as in suspenser

something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome

those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspenser
• nail-biter
• cliff-hanger
• hair-raiser
• photo finish
• squeaker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blowout
• yawner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thriller

The serial killer thriller follows a group of teens who knock down a drone from the sky, only to discover it contains footage of a psychopath on a killing spree. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

But this daffy mix of buddy comedy and conspiracy thriller benefits from his facility with dialogue that’s just south of screwball, as well as the mutual admiration society between McDonagh and actors. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

There’s also the Imax debut of the original Star Wars and Nolan’s The Prestige psychological thriller will be presented in 70mm film for the first time. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026