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
Carol’s sleuthing pays dividends, and the show draws tension and suspense from every turn of the stone.
—
Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2025
The cast didn't learn about the multiple endings until filming was close to wrapping, creating suspense among the actors themselves.
—Shannon Luibrand, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Betcin, suspense thriller Nanahimik Ang Gabi (A Silent Night), Netflix Asia pic Elevator and The Caretakers, an eco-horror film set for international distribution this year.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025
One veteran who maintained momentum this year is Kathryn Bigelow, returning to features after an eight-year absence with A House of Dynamite, which showed no rustiness in its command of the taut, visceral suspense that had distinguished The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty and Detroit.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2025
The cast didn't learn about the multiple endings until filming was close to wrapping, creating suspense among the actors themselves.
—Shannon Luibrand, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Betcin, suspense thriller Nanahimik Ang Gabi (A Silent Night), Netflix Asia pic Elevator and The Caretakers, an eco-horror film set for international distribution this year.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025
One veteran who maintained momentum this year is Kathryn Bigelow, returning to features after an eight-year absence with A House of Dynamite, which showed no rustiness in its command of the taut, visceral suspense that had distinguished The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty and Detroit.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 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 1 Dec. 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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