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
Now with principal photography underway in Cadiz, southern Spain, the suspense thriller captures the devastation of friendships, lives and the whole province by a rampant drug trade, action also expanding to the Straits of Gibraltar.
—
John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024
The Nuggets caught the Lakers out of position on the way back down the court, made a three, and on the next possession got a steal on a lackadaisical James pass to make sure there’d be no late-game suspense.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024
The Nuggets caught the Lakers out of position on the way back down the court, made a three, and on the next possession got a steal on a lackadaisical James pass to make sure there’d be no late-game suspense.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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