easy
The mystery story was full of suspense.
What does Suspense mean?
the feeling of waiting to know what happens next.
Dictionary definition
A feeling of excitement or worry while waiting to find out what will happen next.
Example sentences
Suspense in a sentence
medium
The author built suspense before revealing the answer.
hard
Suspense keeps readers turning pages because they want to know the outcome.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice suspense in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Suspense
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does suspense mean?
Suspense means the feeling of waiting to know what happens next.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to suspense?
Tension is close in meaning to suspense in this context.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: The locked door added ___ to the mystery chapter.
Suspense fits because a mystery makes readers wait to learn what happens next.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Suspense
Voice settings
Sounds like
suh · spens · strongest beat: spens
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSuspense.
Partnoun.
MeaningSuspense means the feeling of waiting to know what happens next.
ExampleExample: The mystery story was full of suspense.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- suh · spens
- Strongest beat
- spens
- Ending
- spens
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on spens.
Your turn
Say Suspense
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Nice work—you practiced suspense.
Synonyms
Words like Suspense
tensionUse when a story creates worry or excitement.
anticipationUse when waiting for what will happen.
excitementA broader feeling that suspense can create.
Antonyms
Opposite words
certaintyKnowing the answer removes suspense.
calmCalm is a contrast when there is no tension.
Synonym practice
Want to practice suspense synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The mystery story was full of suspense," then compare close word choices. Practice suspense synonyms.
Word family
Suspense word family
Base word
suspense
adjective
suspenseful
Creating suspense.
adverb
suspensefully
In a way that creates suspense.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Suspense
Hint for students
the feeling of waiting to know what happens next.
Common mix-up
Suspense is not the same as certainty. Suspense means the feeling of waiting to know what happens next.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The author built suspense before revealing the answer. Clue words: author, built, revealing. Underline clue words that show why suspense fits instead of certainty. Now write one new sentence that shows suspense without using the word suspense. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show suspense?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The author built suspense before revealing the answer." Why does suspense fit better than certainty?
Learning activities
Practice Suspense and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SUSPENSE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SUSPENSE
Sentence Builder
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Vocabulary Match
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Context Clue Challenge
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Practice SUSPENSE
Synonym Search
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