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Definitions

cliff-hanging

[klif-hang-ing] / ˈklɪfˌhæŋ ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
hair-raising
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breathtaking chilling electrifying frightening shocking suspenseful terrifying
WEAK
bloodcurdling exciting spine-chilling spine-tingling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
comforting
ADJECTIVE
melodramatic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
theatrical
WEAK
artificial blood-and-thunder cloak-and-dagger exaggerated ham hammy histrionic histrionical hokey overdramatic overemotional sensational spectacular stagy
Antonyms
WEAK
calm normal untheatrical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Echo Summit, a mountain pass where cliff-hanging U.S.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2021

Instead, producers said the camera will cut away in the cliff-hanging moment before a kiss or a punch.

From New York Times • May 11, 2020

They contain no character development, B-plots, or meaty details and seem primarily designed to showcase some canonical Star Wars character or gear, while killing time before setting up the cliff-hanging finale.

From Slate • Dec. 12, 2019

France also came within a whisker of preventing New Zealand from finally lifting the World Cup trophy in 2011, losing 8-7 to the All Blacks in a cliff-hanging final.

From Washington Times • Oct. 15, 2019

They just seemed to stop talking at some awkward, cliff-hanging moment and then Mom would attend to washing the dishes and Dad would silently read the newspaper.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.