suspenseful

adjective

Definition of suspensefulnext
as in enthralling

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of suspenseful Set in occupied Poland in the middle of the Second World War, Holoubek’s tour de force is part suspenseful western, part gritty wartime noir. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026 Unlike an actual sporting event, of course, the outcome is engineered, which doesn’t make the golf scenes less suspenseful or exciting for the viewer. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 The publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking—unlikely, possible, definite, indefinite, cancelled, then actual—makes As Always, Julia intensely suspenseful. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 The assumption here is that swings will be cleaner and broadcasts will be more suspenseful without the timer to rush everything. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 July 2026 Willow Creek functions as both a jovial document of the town itself and, in its later stages, a properly suspenseful horror film. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 In this new suspenseful mystery that’s also an examination of our country’s racial history, a girl comes of age in post–Civil War Virginia as Reconstruction collapses. — Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Coproduced with Grayson Beatz, the track is laid back compared to his other bass-thumping, suspenseful works. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026 Sitting front row, Fox and Pollan happily cuddled up in front of the camera ahead of the game, which made for a suspenseful evening. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspenseful
  1. enthralling
  2. engrossing
  3. riveting
  4. charming
  5. captivating
  6. intriguing
  7. gripping
  8. interesting
Adjective
  • The romance of Prague is enthralling, from its pretty winding lanes to its skyline of rising spires.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 21 July 2026
  • Creative players both, this could be an enthralling matchup — and Fery should get the Centre Court berth that British players dream about.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of enthralling
Adjective
  • The most engrossing aspect of the relationship is that it’s maintained tension.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2026
  • Lunch on a Beam is part personal journey, part social history, and wholly engrossing.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 20 June 2026
Definition of engrossing
Adjective
  • There are also some strong sequences in the climax to Nolan’s Batman trilogy — such as the riveting plane hijacking opener, and Bruce’s trial in The Pit.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • At her new school, Weaver found that handling sheet metal was, well … riveting.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 9 July 2026
Definition of riveting
Adjective
  • For the best seat in the house, try to nab a spot on the top floor of the charming circular stone building.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • But don't worry, it's built a vibrant modern city in between those charming old buildings, too.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Private lessons can be arranged, with the Benahavis Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea serving as captivating backdrops to these stunning layouts.
    — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance.
    — Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of captivating
Adjective
  • For a variety of reasons, three intriguing All-Stars — the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, Athletics’ Shea Langeliers and Baltimore Orioles switch-hitter Adley Rutschman — are less likely to move.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • One Expert’s Tips for Fitness Over 40 While trends and the latest gadgets are intriguing, your biggest fitness wins will come from the basics.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 20 July 2026
Definition of intriguing
Adjective
  • Finnish artist Kaija Saariaho, who died in 2023, made some gripping music.
    — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026
  • This gripping adaptation of the Stephen King novel is about a dystopian America set in the 1970s after a second Civil War leaves the country in ruin.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of gripping
Adjective
  • Among the most interesting pendant necklaces of summer 2026, fish stand out.
    — Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 July 2026
  • But that doesn’t mean your arrangement should be any less interesting or beautiful.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of interesting

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suspenseful
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Cite this Entry

“Suspenseful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspenseful. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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