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
As captivating as the suspense is the provocative exploration of working with a helpful (yet annoying) colleague who’s not quite human.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
This conceit, together with the slow-burn suspense of Teddy and Jeremy opening up to each other, gives the action interest and tenderness that compensate for its straining of credulity.—Dan Stahl (DR2; through Feb. 2.)
Dance
Aparna Ramaswamy.
—The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Both games will be happening at the same time, 1 p.m. ET, which will create the perfect amount of suspense for fans of both franchises.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025
The timing added some suspense to the chaos of childbirth, Cade recalled.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense 
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Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
This conceit, together with the slow-burn suspense of Teddy and Jeremy opening up to each other, gives the action interest and tenderness that compensate for its straining of credulity.—Dan Stahl (DR2; through Feb. 2.)
Dance
Aparna Ramaswamy.
—The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Both games will be happening at the same time, 1 p.m. ET, which will create the perfect amount of suspense for fans of both franchises.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025
The timing added some suspense to the chaos of childbirth, Cade recalled.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspense
Dictionary Entries Near suspense
Cite this Entry
“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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