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
Audience Feedback: Conclave is a thought-provoking papal drama that delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense with a venerable Ralph Fiennes.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
But that doesn’t mean this category is devoid of suspense.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
That building continued Saturday at Capital One Arena, where the Capitals downed the Penguins 4-1.
Bryan Rust’s goal on a two-on-one with Crosby added temporary suspense to what was a game the Capitals controlled.
—Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
At a time when suspense is in short supply around the NFL, with just two of the league’s 14 playoff berths still up for grabs, the MVP race is one of few last areas of intrigue.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
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.
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
But that doesn’t mean this category is devoid of suspense.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
That building continued Saturday at Capital One Arena, where the Capitals downed the Penguins 4-1.
Bryan Rust’s goal on a two-on-one with Crosby added temporary suspense to what was a game the Capitals controlled.
—Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
At a time when suspense is in short supply around the NFL, with just two of the league’s 14 playoff berths still up for grabs, the MVP race is one of few last areas of intrigue.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense
Dictionary Entries Near suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share