thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: 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
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.
Doing so also gave him freedom to take on different roles - in samurai epics, realist dramas, crime thrillers, and even science fiction - and work with many different directors over the course of his career. NPR, 12 Nov. 2025 Powell, who returns to the big screen this weekend in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, knew that his mentor would be especially helpful in the lead-up to his new action thriller involving lots of running and changing of disguises. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025 The 39-year-old actor offered a look into life behind the scenes during the making of the new Peacock thriller at the New York City screening in November. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025 The crime thriller became a surprise hit at the box office and received rave reviews from critics. Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thriller

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thriller was in 1889

Cite this Entry

“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thriller. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

thriller

noun
thril·​ler ˈthril-ər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense

More from Merriam-Webster on thriller

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