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
Levinson has fun drawing out the suspense at the border and with the DEA raid.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Moments later, as his father was wrapped in a silver and gold emergency thermal blanket before being placed on a stretcher, Oun wiped away a flood of tears – a release of more than a week’s worth of agonizing suspense.
—Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Los Angeles didn’t need suspense marketing.
—John Shallman, Daily News, 30 May 2026
Set inside a secluded country home lined wall-to-wall with antique murder weapons, the suspense play follows lead character Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright desperate for a comeback after a string of flops.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Moments later, as his father was wrapped in a silver and gold emergency thermal blanket before being placed on a stretcher, Oun wiped away a flood of tears – a release of more than a week’s worth of agonizing suspense.
—Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Los Angeles didn’t need suspense marketing.
—John Shallman, Daily News, 30 May 2026
Set inside a secluded country home lined wall-to-wall with antique murder weapons, the suspense play follows lead character Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright desperate for a comeback after a string of flops.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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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