Synonyms for

Thriller

Verb / ˈθrɪlɜ: / Another word for thriller — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A thrilling or suspenseful story, play, movie, or the like, typically involving crime or espionage.

Synonyms & similar words

suspense mystery adventure sensation excitement drama action horror terror chiller whodunit

Synonyms by register

Formal

suspense novel mystery novel crime fiction

Informal

page-turner nail-biter whodunit

Literary

suspenseful tale gripping narrative chilling story

Antonyms

calm peaceful tranquil serene boring dull placid

Common collocations

  • psychological thriller
  • political thriller
  • techno-thriller
  • action thriller
  • romantic thriller
  • legal thriller
  • supernatural thriller

Word family

noun thriller
verb thrill
adjective thrilling
adverb thrillingly

Usage note

A thriller is a genre of fiction characterized by suspense and excitement. While 'thrill' can be used as a verb to mean 'to cause excitement or pleasure', 'thriller' specifically refers to the genre or a work within it.

Example sentences

  1. I love reading thriller novels.
  2. The plot of the thriller movie kept me on the edge of my seat.
  3. The thriller play had the audience gasping with suspense.
  4. The book club decided to read a thriller for their next meeting.
  5. The thriller TV series was a huge hit among audiences.

Quotes

  • "All good books are about everything, abbreviated." - Stephen King, The Stand
  • "The plot of a thriller should be so simple that a drunk can explain it in one sentence" - John Gardner
  • "The only way to write a thriller is to write a thriller." - Richard North Patterson

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