suspense

noun

sus·​pense sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
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
suspenseful adjective
suspensefully adverb
suspensefulness noun
suspenseless adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the suspense is half-hearted, and the picture’s vaporous approach to incident remains. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 The suspense and uncertainty over the outcome of the 2024 presidential election is not just a product of close polls in a divided country. Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024 The real election suspense is whether voters will back Rickert or Harmon. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 But like the great horror directors of the past, Whannell understands that suspense is just as important as shock value. Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suspense 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from suspendre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspense was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near suspense

Cite this Entry

“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

suspense

noun
sus·​pense sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
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
suspenseful adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suspense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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