suspense

noun

sə-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce suspense (audio)
Definition of suspensenext
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity the lawsuit is in suspense until the court makes a decision concerning a related lawsuit

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of suspense With a place in the World Cup’s knockout round already secured as group winners, the only suspense hinged on whether star Christian Pulisic would return from a calf injury suffered in the opening game. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Pépé, who plays for the Spanish club Villarreal, wiped out all the suspense early, scoring in just the seventh minute and the lead held the rest of the game in front of an enthusiastic crowd that made Les Éléphants feel at home. — Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Pépé, who plays for the Spanish club Villarreal, wiped out all the suspense in this one early, scoring in just the seventh minute and the lead held the rest of the game in front of an enthusiastic crowd that made Les Éléphants feel at home. — CBS News, 25 June 2026 The stage is set for unbelievable tension and suspense-building, and it's executed perfectly through Spielberg's directorial prowess with memorable scenes from raptors in the kitchen to a T-Rex in the toilet. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspense
suspension
Noun
  • Since Ecuador lost, Hincapié will serve his red-card suspension during the team’s next international match.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of suspension

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suspends
suspense
suspenseful
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Cite this Entry

“Suspense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspense. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on suspense

Nglish: Translation of suspense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suspense

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