SUSPENSEFUL Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

suspenseful

adjective

Definition of suspenseful

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

Adjective

Richet turns the ship into an enthralling character, with its pipes and catwalks and tunnels and tubes, some of which become weaponry.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Cameron’s enthralling action epic still looks stunning four decades later.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of enthralling

Adjective

Thematically, though, the late swerve is fully all of a piece with Oren’s riveting exploration of the nature of desire, and how that can reframe our relationship to the natural world around us.

— Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
With riveting storytelling, the novel could never have been authored by AI.

— Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of riveting

Adjective

Dykstra’s drawings are beautifully detailed, thoughtful, charming and evocative.

— Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.

— Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

One hundred participants were presented with a series of images showcasing the airport runways, and their visual engagement was measured using eye-tracking technology to determine the most captivating landings.

— Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Mamoru Hosoda is a modern master, and this fantasy-action movie remains one of his most captivating.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of captivating

Adjective

His pro projection is intriguing as a tall goalie who moves well for his size.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
For Marni's summer collections, Consuelo brought her idiosyncratic sensibility to looks that mixed ethnic and vintage elements with intriguing cutting.

— Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of intriguing

Adjective

This visually stunning documentary series captures the gripping cat-and-mouse game between investigators and perpetrators from up close.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
His account of his incarceration, with its mind-numbing routines, gang hegemony and intermittent violence, is equally gripping.

— Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of gripping

Adjective

Elarms-Orr’s interesting usage The Bills are very high on fourth-round rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr, to the point that the inside linebacker is pushing for a role early in the regular season.

— Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The origin story of Guy Gardner is actually interesting, despite his questionable barber choices.

— Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of interesting

Browse Nearby Words

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suspenseful

suspenseless

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“Suspenseful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspenseful. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of suspenseful

adjective

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