suspense
82
3.7
- noun
- /səˈspɛns/
:
suspense
- The movie kept me on the edge of my seat with its constant suspense about what would happen next.
- a suspense novel
- romantic suspense
- build suspense
Well, folks, folks, this suspense has finally broken.
- Well, folks, folks, this suspense has finally broken.
- In other words, when you show, for example, you create suspense in a, in a thriller, right?
- I'll keep you in suspense, OK?
- Well, do I have to create suspense around that?
- Combination high drama, but with almost no suspense.
Examples
-
I could feel the suspense in the air as everyone turned to me, waiting.
Fiction book (2001) -
I'll keep you in suspense, OK?
-
And let me reduce the suspense by writing down what it is.
-
It's the build up and the suspense that gets us in such a state.
-
Okay, do not leave me in suspense.
-
There would still be suspense, of course, as there is suspense in a novel or detective story.
Academic text (1993) -
To build the tension and suspense, I need facts, Sam.
-
I helped him select books that offered that element of suspense, surprise, or adventure.
Fiction book (1997) -
The stage now is set for a climax to this long suspense story.
-
Students should emphasize the chronological sequence of events and build suspense if it is important to the story.
Academic text (1993)
Synonyms
633
2.8
A belief that something will happen in the future
145
3.4
A feeling of eager waiting for something that will happen
64
5.1
A feeling of waiting and hoping for something to happen
36
2.7
A feeling of being worried or anxious
32
4.4
A feeling of fear or worry that something bad may happen
23
8.1
A feeling of fear or worry about something that may happen
5
3.9
A feeling of nervous excitement in your stomach before an important event
5
7.1
A nervous, excited feeling while waiting for something to happen
3
3.8
A feeling of worry and nervousness before an event or about the future
1
4.9
A feeling of nervous worry and stress
1
5.5
A strong nervous feeling that often comes before an important event
A feeling of excitement and worry about what will happen next
A feeling of worry or fear about something that might happen
Hope mixed with careful doubt about what will happen
Antonyms
Compounds
- Specialized
A temporary place in the books for unclear money entries until staff put them in the right place
How Suspenseful
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word suspense comes from the old Latin verb suspendere, which means 'to hang up', and you can see the same idea in the English word suspend. So, when you feel suspense, the outcome is like something 'hanging' in the air and not yet decided, which makes you excited or nervous.