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
Set during a mysterious dinner party in London, the film combines suspense, satire and social commentary.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2025
And while Murderbot is a blend of sci-fi with action and suspense, comedy is at the heart of the series.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Both underscore how well this series, at its best, generates suspense from editing, while either subverting expectations or diabolically playing on common fears.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025
None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 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.
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2025
And while Murderbot is a blend of sci-fi with action and suspense, comedy is at the heart of the series.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Both underscore how well this series, at its best, generates suspense from editing, while either subverting expectations or diabolically playing on common fears.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025
None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 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 28 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share