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
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
The dense woods surrounding the trail offer an atmospheric backdrop for the series’ moments of suspense in every episode.
—
Darah Derios, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
But unlike the average thriller, his movies draw suspense less from incident and surprise and more from emotional dislocation.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 July 2025
That intensity was fine-tuned in the editing process, during which Robinson tried to figure out when and how to reveal information in a way that would keep the suspense mounting.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 July 2025
Directed by a budding Steven Spielberg, the original movie became a massive critical and commercial success, blending suspense, horror, memorable characters, and John Williams' ominous Oscar-winning score to create a cinematic milestone.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 16 July 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.
Darah Derios, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
But unlike the average thriller, his movies draw suspense less from incident and surprise and more from emotional dislocation.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 July 2025
That intensity was fine-tuned in the editing process, during which Robinson tried to figure out when and how to reveal information in a way that would keep the suspense mounting.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 July 2025
Directed by a budding Steven Spielberg, the original movie became a massive critical and commercial success, blending suspense, horror, memorable characters, and John Williams' ominous Oscar-winning score to create a cinematic milestone.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 29 Jul. 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