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 master of suspense made almost 70 films and TV shows across his staggering, more-than-half-a-century-long career, graduating from black-and-white, silent British potboilers to full-blown, Technicolor Hollywood blockbusters.
—
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
The film moves between past and present with a fitting sense of discovery and momentousness, Maya Shenfeld’s score pulsing with suspense.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025
Securing home-field advantage for that first playoff round remains a goal, but otherwise this stretch run lacks much suspense.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Create some suspense and anticipation by going in slowly, starting with the head and just massaging it slightly with the tip of your tongue.
—Ian Kumamoto, Them., 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
The film moves between past and present with a fitting sense of discovery and momentousness, Maya Shenfeld’s score pulsing with suspense.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025
Securing home-field advantage for that first playoff round remains a goal, but otherwise this stretch run lacks much suspense.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Create some suspense and anticipation by going in slowly, starting with the head and just massaging it slightly with the tip of your tongue.
—Ian Kumamoto, Them., 10 Sep. 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 16 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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