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 solo show leans into psychological suspense, asking the audience to follow Elliott as obsession, fear and creativity begin to overlap.
—
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
It all sticks — every Dutch angle, inventively silly camera placement, and enthusiastic heightening of high-noon suspense.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Nominally in the spirit of ’90s from-hell thrillers, The Patient is a riveting character drama that offers some queasy white-knuckle suspense on the way to a thrilling climax.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Spy thrillers have often included characters with multiple passports to evoke drama and suspense.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
It all sticks — every Dutch angle, inventively silly camera placement, and enthusiastic heightening of high-noon suspense.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Nominally in the spirit of ’90s from-hell thrillers, The Patient is a riveting character drama that offers some queasy white-knuckle suspense on the way to a thrilling climax.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Spy thrillers have often included characters with multiple passports to evoke drama and suspense.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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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