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

Notable projects include 2021’s C’mon C’mon and 2022’s Don’t Worry Darling, Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

For some reason, survival thrillers are all the rage; there are even two featuring a man and his dog. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Lionsgate has unveiled the first trailer for Day Drinker, a supernatural revenge thriller marking one of Johnny Depp‘s first starring roles in a studio project in years, which is slated for release in theaters on March 26, 2027. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

The crime thriller stars Nailia Harzoune as Justine, who arrives in Singapore, determined to reinvent herself and give her family a fresh start. — Carole Horst, Variety, 24 Sep. 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