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
Related 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
Diane Penningroth, Midwest Living, 12 June 2026
The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet the combination of startle, confusion, at least nineteen warning and caution messages, inconsistent information, and lack of recent experience hand-flying the aircraft led the crew to enter a dangerous stall.
—David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Around a bend, yellow wildflowers pop out of the underbrush, where curious deer and rustling ground squirrels (squinnies to this Iowan) startle.
—Diane Penningroth, Midwest Living, 12 June 2026
The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Noun
The record-scratch startle that jump-starts the dramatic arc occurs when Eleanor (Squibb) is trying to figure out what to do with herself at a Manhattan Jewish community center after recently relocating from Florida.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet the combination of startle, confusion, at least nineteen warning and caution messages, inconsistent information, and lack of recent experience hand-flying the aircraft led the crew to enter a dangerous stall.
—David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
-
More than 30 years later, what amazes me isn’t just what that team accomplished on the field.—
Charlie Davies,
New York Times,
9 June 2026
-
This technology still amazes me.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
-
Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
But her outbursts frightened the children too.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
-
What frightened me most was what might happen to my children.—
Monica Rodriguez-Aguilera,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
At one point, Humphrey said the shock and grief of it all became too much.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
In addition to its style, it’s also made with practical features like shock-absorbing cushioning and a durable, grippy outsole that can handle everyday wear.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Through the fantastical nature of this story and the original nature of the omniscient narrator Ahmad is able to continually surprise.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
-
There was also a nice moment with his dad, who surprised him after flying to New York on a red-eye Sunday morning.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
James stretched his neck and winced.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
-
Throughout training this week, Bombito was seen wincing when taking tight turns and limping at times following drills.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
City Council should refuse to be intimidated and not let Webb scare them from using it to help Chicago and its citizens.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
That's not a company that needs to scare off millions of loyal customers with a brutal price rise.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
