Synonyms of thriller

thriller

noun

ˈthri-lər 

as in suspenser

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

those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspenser
• nail-biter
• cliff-hanger
• hair-raiser
• photo finish
• squeaker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blowout
• yawner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thriller

In the Week 2 overtime thriller against the Indianapolis Colts, Johnson’s shifty play alongside Walker gave Kansas City what could quietly be one of the league’s best one-two punches in the backfield. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026

Cruise stars as an oil tycoon who must save the planet from a climate catastrophe in this environmental thriller. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

The studio projects an opening in the range of $27 million to $30 million for filmmaker Michael Showalter’s thriller that carries a $40 million production budget. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

The Braves won a thriller Tuesday afternoon at Truist Park with third baseman Austin Riley’s late three-run homer lifting them to a 5-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 1 of the Wild Card series. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026