suspense (noun) — The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
Below are 77 adjectives commonly used to describe suspense, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include anxious, breathless, painful.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “suspense” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “anxious, breathless suspense”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe suspense?
Common adjectives used to describe suspense include anxious, breathless, painful, great, terrible. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "suspense" in written English.
How do you describe suspense in writing?
To vividly describe suspense in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For suspense, strong options include anxious, breathless, painful. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for suspense?
"anxious" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "suspense" in English. Other top choices are breathless, painful, great. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "anxious, breathless suspense".