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
The dry, humorless (in a good way) narration by Lost actor Francois Chau only adds to the suspense of the novel that offers nuance to the divisive conflict, bringing the protagonist’s competing allegiances and the danger that brings him into full view.
—
Shannon Carlin, TIME, 21 June 2024
Hall builds suspense from seemingly innocuous events — a hike with the famous writer, an allergy reaction to a dish — before escalating to more violent moments.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2024
The elevator ride down three levels builds the suspense of the wares that the 12 participating galleries have brought.
—Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2024
Related Articles The heist plot allows for the action, adventure and suspense to come into play, as well as the aforementioned Tom Cruise references, and nods to film noir and early silent films (there are a lot of sequences set on trains).
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 27 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
Shannon Carlin, TIME, 21 June 2024
Hall builds suspense from seemingly innocuous events — a hike with the famous writer, an allergy reaction to a dish — before escalating to more violent moments.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2024
The elevator ride down three levels builds the suspense of the wares that the 12 participating galleries have brought.
—Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2024
Related Articles The heist plot allows for the action, adventure and suspense to come into play, as well as the aforementioned Tom Cruise references, and nods to film noir and early silent films (there are a lot of sequences set on trains).
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 27 May 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 15 Jul. 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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