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
With its slow-build suspense, harrowing sound editing, and the indelible sight of a towering madman in a butcher’s apron, a mask of human flesh, and the buzzing power tool of the title, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre becomes a full-body workout of fear and dread.
—
Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024
Davis’ skill at staging and shooting kinetic suspense grabbed audiences in that film and the terrific thrillers that followed, but what really separated him from his peers was the elegant integration of his own social conscience into the material.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2024
After much suspense, America voted to send Phaedra and Val home.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Whether your cinematic tastes tend more toward spine-tingling suspense, bloody gore, cheesy horror, or light-hearted fantasy, watching spooky movies is one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024
Davis’ skill at staging and shooting kinetic suspense grabbed audiences in that film and the terrific thrillers that followed, but what really separated him from his peers was the elegant integration of his own social conscience into the material.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2024
After much suspense, America voted to send Phaedra and Val home.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Whether your cinematic tastes tend more toward spine-tingling suspense, bloody gore, cheesy horror, or light-hearted fantasy, watching spooky movies is one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for suspense
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 5 Nov. 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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