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

suspenseful

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl 

adjective

suspensefully

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fə-lē 

adverb

suspensefulness

sə-ˈspen(t)s-fəl-nəs 

noun

suspenseless

sə-ˈspen(t)s-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of suspense

• suspension

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

But just as memorable as Drew Barrymore’s gut-wrenching opening scene was Marco Beltrami’s chilling score, one that heightened the suspense and terror at every turn. — Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Verity Crawford is at the height of her popularity, discussing her wildly popular romantic-suspense series, Noble Virtues, on national TV. — Fawnia Soo Hoo, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026

Instead of lots of action, violence, carnage and suspense, the show with Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer tells a very different kind of story. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

In fiction, spoiler alerts exist to protect the reader experience, premised on the idea that knowing a story’s outcome will reduce momentum and suspense. — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing suspense

• in suspense
• suspense account
• the suspense is killing me

Rhymes for suspense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• incense
• intense
• missense

Kids 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

suspenseful

-fəl 

adjective