mystery, noun, pl. -teries.
1. something that is hidden or unknown; secret.
Ex. the mysteries of the universe, the mystery of love.
(SYN) enigma.
2. secrecy; obscurity; condition or property of being secret or secretive.
Ex. an atmosphere of mystery, a man of mystery.
3. something that is not explained or understood.
Ex. the mystery of the migration of birds. It is a mystery to me how he survived the accident.
4. a novel, story, play, or motion picture about a mysterious event or events which are not explained
until the end, so as to keep the reader or viewer in suspense.
Ex. a writer of mysteries. Let's watch a mystery on TV tonight.
5. a religious conception or doctrine that human reason cannot understand.
Ex. Father Deacy preached on the mystery of the Trinity (New York Times).
6. Often, mysteries. a secret religious rite to which only initiated persons are admitted.
7a. a sacramental rite of the Christian religion.
b. the Eucharist; Communion; Mass.
c. Often, mysteries. the elements of the Eucharist.
8. an incident in the life of Jesus or one of the saints, regarded as of special significance.
9. =mystery play.
suspense, noun, adjective.
noun 1. the condition of being mentally uncertain, especially:
a. such a condition induced by art or craft in order to hold the attention of a reader or audience.
Ex. The detective story kept me in suspense until the last chapter.
b. anxious uncertainty; anxiety.
Ex. Mothers feel suspense when their children are very sick.
2. the condition of being undecided or undetermined; suspending of judgment.
3. (Obsolete.) suspending of action; suspension.
adj. of suspense; suspenseful.
Ex. He will do a remake of one of his successful suspense stories (New York Times).