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
That builds tension and suspense.
—
John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Blending dark comedy, drama, and suspense, His Weakest Creatures is billed as a sharp allegory of love, survival, and moral compromise, culminating in an unexpected finale.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
The twists and turns are fresh and new for the genre, and the suspense will surely have you on the edge of your seat.
—Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Blending dark comedy, drama, and suspense, His Weakest Creatures is billed as a sharp allegory of love, survival, and moral compromise, culminating in an unexpected finale.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
The twists and turns are fresh and new for the genre, and the suspense will surely have you on the edge of your seat.
—Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 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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