Synonyms of suspense

suspense

noun

sə-ˈspen(t)s 

as in suspension

a state of temporary inactivity

the lawsuit is in suspense until the court makes a decision concerning a related lawsuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspension
• abeyance
• coma
• moratorium
• cold storage
• latency
• suspended animation
• inertia
• quiescence
• recession
• dormancy
• inaction
• rest
• doldrums
• deep freeze
• holding pattern
• standstill
• recess
• inertness
• motionlessness
• impasse
• sleep
• hypnosis
• slumber
• hibernation
• remission
• torpor
• downtime
• repose
• layoff
• idleness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• renewal
• resuscitation
• resumption
• recommencement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of suspense

Some were quietly held in committee or on the suspense file without a public vote, often an indication that Democratic supermajority leadership did not support the bill. —CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

The only suspense for Clayton Valley when the field is unveiled Sunday will be seeding. —Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026

The Americans drubbed Poulin’s team without her, perhaps taking some suspense out of the likely rematch between these teams in the gold-medal game next week. —Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

The film merges family drama with atmospheric suspense. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026