THRILLER Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

thriller

noun

ˈthri-lər

Definition of thriller

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

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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.

Recent Examples of thriller Meanwhile, thrillers and, surprisingly, literary adaptations are still being undersupplied. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 In the thrillers of Anna Seghers, fugitives stay one step ahead of the Nazis. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 The thuddingly literal-minded movie that director Brian Duffield has made of it is a piece of thriller kitsch, full of unintentional laughs. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 The Buffalo Bills’ 37-34 victory over the Los Angeles Rams was the thriller of the NFL season, a back-and-forth affair featuring numerous twists, turns, touchdowns, turnovers and game-changing plays. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thriller

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thriller

suspenser

Noun

Directed by Nelicia Low, the suspenser follows a young fencer struggling with keeping his secret crush on a fellow fencer from his homophobic mother.

— Vivienne Chow, Variety, 17 May 2022
On the other hand, the story introduces fictional characters and elements that give it the air of a suspenser, exactly the sort for which Harris is so popular.

— Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2022

Definition of suspenser

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thrilled

thriller

thrillers

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“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thriller. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of thriller

noun

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