suspense

noun

sus·​pense sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
Synonyms of suspense
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
sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl How to pronounce suspense (audio)
adjective
suspensefully
sə-ˈspen(t)s-fə-lē How to pronounce suspense (audio)
adverb
suspensefulness
sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl-nəs How to pronounce suspense (audio)
noun
suspenseless
sə-ˈspen(t)s-ləs How to pronounce suspense (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of suspense

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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.
Being on the suspense list does not cancel a voter's registration or their right to vote. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The story surrounding our characters is fascinating, but there’s also a strong thriller and suspense element that carries through all six episodes. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 The only suspense is around a youngster like Armstead, who has had a good camp. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Throughout her storied career, Parton penned several books across a range of genres, including children’s books, a suspense novel, a cookbook and a handful of memoirs. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspense

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, in the phrase in suspence "in abeyance, in a state of uncertainty," borrowed from Anglo-French en suspens, borrowed from Medieval Latin in suspensō, from ablative of Latin suspensus or suspensum, noun derivative from past participle of suspendere "to suspend"

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

Phrases Containing suspense

Rhymes for suspense

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Browse Nearby Words

suspend (one's) disbelief
suspense
suspense account
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspense. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-fəl How to pronounce suspense (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suspense

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suspense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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