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