thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər 

: one that thrills

especially : a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense

Synonyms of thriller

• suspenser

Examples of thriller in a Sentence

His latest novel is a political thriller.

those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year

Recent Examples on the Web

The actress’ last film role was in the 2026 indie David Dastmalchian horror thriller The Cure. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Weys’ previous credits include the shorts Bergie (2022) and Versnel (2017), and the 50-minute-long thriller Koffie en Sigarette (2023). — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2026

Rival estimates have the prehistoric thriller making $8 million through its sophomore weekend (a 62% drop), pushing its North American total to about $37 million. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Lyne recently spoke about the 1987 erotic thriller at a screening of his other classic, Unfaithful. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thriller

• techno-thriller

Rhymes for thriller

• biller
• chiller
• driller
• filler
• hilar
• hiller
• killer
• pillar
• quiller
• siller
• spiller
• stiller

Kids Definition

thriller

noun

thril·​ler ˈthril-ər 

: one that thrills

especially : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense