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
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2
3
as in to frighten
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shock
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startle
Samson McDougall, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023
When he was told the shot was in, his eyes opened with a startle, then fell toward the floor.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 10 July 2023
Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Another Epstein accuser looked up, startled, to see where the deafening sound was coming from.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
For very small babies, swaddling the arms is effective at reducing their startle reflex—which can be disruptive to sleep.
—Samson McDougall, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023
When he was told the shot was in, his eyes opened with a startle, then fell toward the floor.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 10 July 2023
Noun
Then the Buckel brothers arrived, intent on doing the same, and Smith was startled.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Another Epstein accuser looked up, startled, to see where the deafening sound was coming from.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.—
Eitan Weiss,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The 90-yard dash along the right sideline one play after Ruvalcaba’s interception amazed his teammates.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The typical price of a single-family home in the United States is about $368,000, jumping roughly 13% over the past 5 years and 38% over the last decade, the ABC News data team found.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Oracle said that revenue this fiscal year in that business will jump 77% to $18 billion from $10 billion in the last year.—
Ari Levy,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Judy Hernandez’ husband Raul, a co-founder of the community group the Resurrection Project, dismissed those plans as a political stunt geared to create fear and frighten Spanish-speaking people.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Many of us are conditioned to think that our ultimate goal in life is to be with someone, so much so, that the mere thought of being alone frightens us.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Last year’s shock results included Aston Villa beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in the league phase, as Unai Emery led them to the quarter-finals.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Sneakily announced right before the Emmy Awards started on Sunday night, the news came as a shock considering Stokes had just posted an Instagram photo dump celebrating Ballerini’s birthday two days prior on September 12.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The potential intruder surprises her in the water.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
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In New York City, Charlie Sheen embarks on a book tour for his new memoir, The Book of Sheen, while Doja Cat surprises fans at her pop-up in Union Square.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That’s our job, to bring up the uncomfortable and talk about the topics people wince at.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Immediately, Moore was on the ground and wincing in pain.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Just enough time to snap some selfies and scare your housemates.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Their offense, outside their all-world quarterback, doesn’t scare anybody, not without Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury), and with Travis Kelce in Year 13.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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More than anything, when the show finally ends, its finale will stun most viewers into silence.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
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In 1936, an underdog American rowing team stunned the world by winning the Olympic Gold.—
Jerry Cahn,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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