: 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
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
This psychological thriller written and directed by Oscar winner Florian Zeller has attracted a buzzy cast including Penélope Cruz and husband Javier Bardem in the lead roles alongside Stephen Graham, Paul Dano and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
Danielson’s final game was a thriller, as Duke beat Arizona State 42-39 on Wednesday at the Sun Bowl.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
As our world becomes consumed by virtual reality, a sci-fi thriller like Strange Days feels just as potent as ever.
—Kate Stroup, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
Joanna McClelland Glass’s searing new drama weaves a sophisticated psychological thriller about family bonds, betrayal, and the possibility of healing.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thriller
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Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
Danielson’s final game was a thriller, as Duke beat Arizona State 42-39 on Wednesday at the Sun Bowl.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
As our world becomes consumed by virtual reality, a sci-fi thriller like Strange Days feels just as potent as ever.
—Kate Stroup, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
Joanna McClelland Glass’s searing new drama weaves a sophisticated psychological thriller about family bonds, betrayal, and the possibility of healing.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thriller
Cite this Entry
“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thriller. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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