Synonyms of cliff-hanger

cliff-hanger

noun

ˈklif-ˌhaŋ-ər 

as in thriller

something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome

finally, a Super Bowl game that turned out to be a real cliff-hanger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thriller
• nail-biter
• suspenser
• hair-raiser
• photo finish
• squeaker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blowout
• yawner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cliff-hanger

The latest cliff-hanger, which saw Netflix ceding the bidding war to Paramount late Thursday, had Hollywood and the media worlds agog. — Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 27 Feb. 2026

The show remains compulsively watchable; each episode ends on a cliff-hanger. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 2025

Angus Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco, died after season two; the second season ended on a major cliff-hanger involving his character. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

For now, Mars keeps its secrets, and Bright Angel stays a cliff-hanger. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025