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Definition of thriller

thriller

/ˈθrɪl.ər/
thril · ler
Plural:thrillers
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thriller Lexical Profile

thriller Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A novel, play, film, or television program featuring an exciting plot that generates intense suspense, anticipation, and anxiety, typically involving crime, espionage, or imminent danger.

Example

"The author's latest psychological thriller kept readers guessing the culprit's identity until the final chapter."

2

A contest, sporting match, or event that is intensely exciting, closely contested, and full of suspense until the very end.

Example

"The championship basketball game turned into an overtime thriller decided by a last-second shot."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for thriller

• Nearby Words

thrifty
thrill
thrilled
thriller
thrilling
thrillingly
thrinax

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century from the verb 'thrill' plus the agent suffix '-er'. 'Thrill' derives from Middle English 'thrillen' (to pierce or penetrate), a metathesized form of Old English 'thyrlian', from 'thyrel' (a hole), related to 'through'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thriller. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thriller
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