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thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
Synonyms of thrillernext
: 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.
Crudup and Watts were first linked back in 2017 when starring in psychological thriller Gypsy, which Watts also produced. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025 Mixing genre with social and historical commentary, the thriller pushes boundaries with its exploration of the consequences of colonialism as well as relationships in a conservative society. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025 Alex Singleton was all smiles after the Denver Broncos beat the Washington Commanders in a thriller on Sunday, but the linebacker was happy for more than one reason. Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025 Ever more, sales agents are selling across a broad gamut of titles including genre fair, thrillers, animation and even comedies. John Hopewell, Variety, 1 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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