thriller

noun

thrill·​er ˈthri-lər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
Synonyms of thrillernext
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense

Synonyms of thriller

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Examples of thriller in a Sentence

His latest novel is a political thriller. those television awards are hardly thrillers since the same people win year after year
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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.
Eisenberg’s playful comedy, which just premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, is sometimes a musical and occasionally a thriller. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026 This thriller also could use a bit more juice in terms of structure and pacing. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 Our two most popular events are definitely our weekly stand-up comedy open mic night and our thriller book club. — Aaron Reiss, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Hansen’s three-year run on the controversial program is the subject of Primetime, a psychological thriller starring the Twilight actor as the the former To Catch a Predator host. — Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thriller

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thriller was in 1889

Phrases Containing thriller

Rhymes for thriller

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Browse Nearby Words

thrilled to death/pieces
thriller
thrillful
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Cite this Entry

“Thriller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thriller. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thriller

noun
thril·​ler ˈthril-ər How to pronounce thriller (audio)
: one that thrills
especially : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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