1
as in to amaze
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in to frighten
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of startle
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
When the room reappeared before me, I was startled by its emptiness.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
About an hour later, a sharp, intense pain in my belly startled me out of my sleep.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
When the room reappeared before me, I was startled by its emptiness.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
Swaddling also helps prevent babies' natural startle reflex from waking them up, and having their arms held down keeps them from scratching themselves with their razor-sharp little newborn nails.
—Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
-
The way Yamal is handling his rise does not cease to amaze.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
-
Regardless of how or why, that drive continues to amaze me.—
Tom Teicholz,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
At the song's crescendo, two of the men climb up on the edge of the fountain, and at least one jumps into the water as things comes to a dramatic close.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
14 May 2025
-
There’s plenty of video on social media showing hundreds of carp jumping into boats on various rivers, including the mighty Mississippi.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
The goal of strengthening Washington’s presence should be to reassure partners that U.S. pressure is designed to create stronger alliances, not to pave the way for abandonment, as well as to ensure that resisting China is viable for countries that are frightened by Beijing.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The American Declaration of Independence and Constitution frightened monarchies and despots around the world without a single bullet or gunboat.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
-
The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Dad Shaves Beard Off For First Time In 9 Years, Daughter Has Best Reaction By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A toddler was left speechless after her dad surprised her by shaving his beard off for the first time in nearly a decade.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
-
Roan, along with other social media influencers, would be surprised by research that consistently shows that married mothers are among one of the happiest cohorts in society.—
Kelsey Reinhardt,
National Review,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
As the trailer depicts, the shame of his past follows him into Thunderbolts*, with the character wincing over bad press about him in the newspaper.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
-
Fans should be ready to wince as the 2025 Twins make hit-by-pitch history.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Start to say no to distractions that do not serve your higher purpose, and start saying yes to the things that challenge you, stretch you and even scare you a little.—
Melissa Sierra,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
-
What scares and excites you about where AI is headed for the next generation of artists?—
Lily Marks,
Time,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
The year before the rival Raiders stunned the Chiefs 20-14 in one of the worst offensive performances of Mahomes’ Chiefs tenure.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share