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 hit held in the air, the suspense of the game’s potential first run slowly drifting to the wall.
—
Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Produced by Tri Destined Studios and Urban Books Media, The Family Business franchise remains a potent mix of action, suspense, and family drama—one that shows no signs of slowing down.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
In the end, Open Group’s tragic karaoke tune captures fear, longing, suspense, despair, loss, destruction, displacement, awaiting of news, disappointment in diplomatic solutions, the ecological and human toll of it all.
—Joanna Warsza, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
In a thriller, the suspense is built around a challenge posed to the protagonist — the last big score before retiring, being innocently accused of a crime or accidentally getting involved in something dangerous and deadly.
—Anders De La Motte, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Produced by Tri Destined Studios and Urban Books Media, The Family Business franchise remains a potent mix of action, suspense, and family drama—one that shows no signs of slowing down.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
In the end, Open Group’s tragic karaoke tune captures fear, longing, suspense, despair, loss, destruction, displacement, awaiting of news, disappointment in diplomatic solutions, the ecological and human toll of it all.
—Joanna Warsza, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
In a thriller, the suspense is built around a challenge posed to the protagonist — the last big score before retiring, being innocently accused of a crime or accidentally getting involved in something dangerous and deadly.
—Anders De La Motte, PEOPLE, 28 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 9 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share