Which word describes a state of excitement or anxious uncertainty about future events?

The word that describes a state of excitement or anxious uncertainty about future events is "suspense." This term is often associated with storytelling and refers to a feeling of anticipation regarding what will happen next. It captures the emotional state where an audience feels a mix of excitement and anxiety as they await the outcome of a situation, making it a key component in genres such as thrillers, mysteries, and horror.

Suspense engages the audience, creating a desire to know the resolution of a narrative, which is why it is frequently used as a dramatic device to heighten interest and keep viewers or readers on the edge of their seats. By contrast, tension refers more broadly to mental or emotional strain, drama pertains to a specific type of storytelling or performance, and conflict generally involves opposing forces within a story but does not inherently convey the same sense of uncertain anticipation as suspense does.