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 None of this is remotely credible, or particularly suspenseful. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 Set in the 1980s during the NASA space shuttle program, this suspenseful novel reveals the complexity behind every expedition, following the relationships and obstacles while conveying a love of exploring the unknown. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 31 July 2026 Through engaging characters and an immersive historical setting, the novel invites readers on a suspenseful journey filled with mystery, sacrifice, and hope. — William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The suspenseful shark sequences in an underwater cage where two distressed heroines Tatiana (Laura Marano) and Kaley (Christina Ochoa) get trapped are shockingly good while a third act ratchets up the blood and the tension. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 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
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
  • Viola Davis has transformed into many riveting characters throughout the years.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • Told from the points of view of the hiker, a game warden in search of her, and a mysterious retiree who is somehow connected, Heartwood is a riveting and moving account of the high-stakes search for a missing woman and so much more.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 July 2026
Definition of riveting
Adjective
  • Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square are both lined with charming Victorian townhouses—one of which has just hit the market.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026
  • An 8cm pile of true New Zealand wool gives this shag rug a charming bedhead quality.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • The day’s other huge story was Mathieu van der Poel, who won one of the most captivating final stages the Tour has ever seen.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The research done is exhaustive, and the narrative formed by the team to present in episodes is sonically captivating.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of captivating
Adjective
  • Another intriguing possibility is fellow rookie outfielder Jonah Cox, who played middle infield in college.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The South’s own Sarasota, Florida This Gulf Coast city, which is about an hour south of Tampa, has gorgeous beaches, unique botanical gardens, great food, deep cultural roots, and an intriguing history that has a lot to offer visitors.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of intriguing
Adjective
  • Viewers praised the series for its gripping action sequences, inventive camerawork and compelling performances.
    — Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Andrew Louis has yet again brought this vision to life brilliantly, crafting a gripping narrative that stays true to the spirit of the franchise while taking it in an exciting new direction.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026
Definition of gripping
Adjective
  • The research examining wearables indicate interesting results.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The former’s status as a non-comedy comedy has been processed ad nauseam, but Margo makes for a more interesting case as a new show.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on suspenseful

Nglish: Translation of suspenseful for Spanish Speakers

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