suspense
noun
sus·pense
sə-ˈspen(t)s 
1
: the state of being suspended : suspension
2
a
: mental uncertainty : anxiety
b
: pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome
a novel of suspense
3
: the state or character of being undecided or doubtful : indecisiveness
Synonyms
Examples of suspense in a Sentence
I can't bear the suspense.
The suspense builds as the story progresses.
Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense.
The movie is a suspense thriller.
Recent Examples on the Web
Before Tuesday’s game, there was plenty of suspense.
—
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Given its dramatic turns and suspense, the show easily appeals to true crime lovers trying to get into business.
—Eda Yu, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024
Still, Munich’s many suspense and action set pieces drive the story along with undeniable tension.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024
But, belatedly getting wind of the rumors, Camille notes their foreshadowing of Alain’s disappearance, and her D.I.Y. snooping generates both suspense and comedy.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024
The amount of time, dedication, and often personal risk necessary to bring such stories to life is admirable; so too is the ability to tell a story with empathy, sympathy, and suspense.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 12 Mar. 2024
Others were dismayed at Pacino’s apparent failure to inject a bit of verve and suspense into the proceedings (as if everyone in the world didn’t know Oppenheimer was about to win, anyway).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024
Buy Now 08 of 20 'Circe' by Madeline Miller
The family rivalry, royal intrigue and suspense that follows the daughter of Zeus after she's banished to a deserted island is enough to win over readers who may not be up on their mythology.
—Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024
Like any good drama, AI’s story includes suspense and intrigue.
—Joe Harpaz, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Given its dramatic turns and suspense, the show easily appeals to true crime lovers trying to get into business.
—Eda Yu, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024
Still, Munich’s many suspense and action set pieces drive the story along with undeniable tension.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024
But, belatedly getting wind of the rumors, Camille notes their foreshadowing of Alain’s disappearance, and her D.I.Y. snooping generates both suspense and comedy.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024
The amount of time, dedication, and often personal risk necessary to bring such stories to life is admirable; so too is the ability to tell a story with empathy, sympathy, and suspense.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 12 Mar. 2024
Others were dismayed at Pacino’s apparent failure to inject a bit of verve and suspense into the proceedings (as if everyone in the world didn’t know Oppenheimer was about to win, anyway).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024
Buy Now 08 of 20 'Circe' by Madeline Miller
The family rivalry, royal intrigue and suspense that follows the daughter of Zeus after she's banished to a deserted island is enough to win over readers who may not be up on their mythology.
—Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024
Like any good drama, AI’s story includes suspense and intrigue.
—Joe Harpaz, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suspense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
suspense
noun
sus·pense
sə-ˈspen(t)s
1
: the state of being suspended : suspension
2
a
: mental uncertainty : anxiety
b
: pleasant excitement caused by wondering what will happen
a novel of suspense
3
: the state of being undecided
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