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
Susan Walter is the author of five novels of suspense: Lie by the Pool, Good as Dead, Over Her Dead Body, Letters from Strangers,, and Running Cold.
—
Susan Walter
june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
While the premise could result in an overly dour or preachy book, Nguyen's novel zips forward with page-turning suspense, humor, and nuance.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 June 2025
Though the first season of this anthology series shares a similar beachy backdrop as the Cliff House, the second shifts to a snowy mountain resort, which only heightens the suspense.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
Suffice to say, what follows is a masterclass in filmmaking and the art of suspense, not to mention a brilliant study of voyeurism and our own morbid curiosity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for suspense
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Susan Walter
june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
While the premise could result in an overly dour or preachy book, Nguyen's novel zips forward with page-turning suspense, humor, and nuance.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 June 2025
Though the first season of this anthology series shares a similar beachy backdrop as the Cliff House, the second shifts to a snowy mountain resort, which only heightens the suspense.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
Suffice to say, what follows is a masterclass in filmmaking and the art of suspense, not to mention a brilliant study of voyeurism and our own morbid curiosity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 June 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 10 Jun. 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
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