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 missing logic is very evident in the thriller that also fails to offer thrills and suspense.
—
Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The audience is at risk of being too many steps ahead of the action, and the time between McRobbie’s first appearance and the official onscreen reveal is too long to keep up the appropriate amount of suspense.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Berger, who previously helmed All Quiet on the Western Front, crafts an atmosphere of suspense, but the storyline diverges from actual conclave procedures.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
After six days of suspense, the winning ticket was anonymously claimed Tuesday, according to Minnesota Lottery Public Affairs Director Joan Schimml.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The audience is at risk of being too many steps ahead of the action, and the time between McRobbie’s first appearance and the official onscreen reveal is too long to keep up the appropriate amount of suspense.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Berger, who previously helmed All Quiet on the Western Front, crafts an atmosphere of suspense, but the storyline diverges from actual conclave procedures.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
After six days of suspense, the winning ticket was anonymously claimed Tuesday, according to Minnesota Lottery Public Affairs Director Joan Schimml.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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