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
Fans have become emotionally attached around the world, constantly sharing unboxing videos filled with suspense.
—
Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Cover-Up moves between past and present with a fitting sense of discovery and momentousness, Maya Shenfeld’s score pulsing with suspense and at times eerie with foreboding.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
The agreement was announced the morning of the Legislature’s suspense file hearings, when hundreds of bills are either released to the floor for final debate and votes or killed in a secretive decision-making process.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That said, just as Mare came together satisfyingly in the end, the last three episodes of Task are very strong as both suspense and character studies.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Cover-Up moves between past and present with a fitting sense of discovery and momentousness, Maya Shenfeld’s score pulsing with suspense and at times eerie with foreboding.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
The agreement was announced the morning of the Legislature’s suspense file hearings, when hundreds of bills are either released to the floor for final debate and votes or killed in a secretive decision-making process.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That said, just as Mare came together satisfyingly in the end, the last three episodes of Task are very strong as both suspense and character studies.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 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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