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
But because most of the films are first and foremost suspense stories about surviving the Xenomorphs, these ideas are often teased only briefly, leaving fans of the franchise to fill in the gaps on their own.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
That’s not to say there’s a great deal of suspense surrounding this category, because there most definitely is not.
—Team Tvline, TVLine, 12 Aug. 2025
Each storyline ends with a violent cliffhanger or strange event that haunts the next strand and keeps suspense at a fever pitch.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2025
Known for works of suspense, Cobb most famously wrote the novel The Hunting Wives, which Netflix recently launched as a series exec produced by Cobb, after picking up exclusive U.S. rights during the Starz-Lionsgate separation agreement.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
That’s not to say there’s a great deal of suspense surrounding this category, because there most definitely is not.
—Team Tvline, TVLine, 12 Aug. 2025
Each storyline ends with a violent cliffhanger or strange event that haunts the next strand and keeps suspense at a fever pitch.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2025
Known for works of suspense, Cobb most famously wrote the novel The Hunting Wives, which Netflix recently launched as a series exec produced by Cobb, after picking up exclusive U.S. rights during the Starz-Lionsgate separation agreement.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 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 20 Aug. 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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