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
Who is murdered, why and Clare’s entanglement in the whole deal unfold over the remainder of the novel, featuring much tighter and more plausible plotting than your average suspense story.
—
John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The project highlights growing international interest in elevated Latin American genre cinema blending political commentary, suspense, violence and social critique.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 16 May 2026
There’s no shortage of other dramatic crests, among them a climactic shoot-out in a cornfield that’s a model of steadily mounting suspense.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Inspired by true events from 1936, the series is billed as a mix of psychological horror, mystery and suspense.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The project highlights growing international interest in elevated Latin American genre cinema blending political commentary, suspense, violence and social critique.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 16 May 2026
There’s no shortage of other dramatic crests, among them a climactic shoot-out in a cornfield that’s a model of steadily mounting suspense.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Inspired by true events from 1936, the series is billed as a mix of psychological horror, mystery and suspense.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 May 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 18 May. 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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