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
And while he’s drawn to dark genres, Cabezas also values the element of surprise and suspense.
—
Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Constructed as a documentary shot by two teen siblings visiting their estranged grandparents, The Visit refracts suspense and comedy through a child’s-eye perspective, deviously blurring the boundary between home video and Grimm fairy tale.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
But after years of stubborn refusal to compromise, the suspense is killing no one.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
When there were three sweets left in the roll, Ivor could not take the suspense any longer.
—Anne Enright, New Yorker, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Constructed as a documentary shot by two teen siblings visiting their estranged grandparents, The Visit refracts suspense and comedy through a child’s-eye perspective, deviously blurring the boundary between home video and Grimm fairy tale.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
But after years of stubborn refusal to compromise, the suspense is killing no one.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
When there were three sweets left in the roll, Ivor could not take the suspense any longer.
—Anne Enright, New Yorker, 27 July 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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