suspense

noun

sus·​pense sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
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
suspenseful adjective
suspensefully adverb
suspensefulness noun
suspenseless adjective

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
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 2025 theme for this year’s challenge was thriller and suspense, in which Novicki credits the submissions for exploring different pathways into the horror genre and showcasing individuals with various disabilities throughout their filmmaking. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 In Davidson, the only suspense is which of six candidates will be the odd one out. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 This time around, while Chambers remains turned away, Teasdale crouches with an unsettling smile and long fingernails, conjuring a skin-crawling suspense. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 But Australian theater and film director Simon Stone’s blandly glossy, capably acted adaptation, co-written with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, is mostly a pedestrian affair that waits until the denouement to crank up the suspense and show some teeth. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suspense

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from suspendre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspense was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

suspense

noun
sus·​pense sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
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
suspenseful adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suspense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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