Synonyms of startle

startle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstär-tᵊl 

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

• amaze
• surprise
• stun
• shock
• astonish
• astound
• stupefy
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• rock
• bewilder
• take by surprise
• perplex
• take aback
• thunderstrike
• disconcert
• bowl over
• confuse
• befuddle
• floor
• discomfit
• confound
• blindside
• daze
• shake up
• nonplus
• dismay
• blow away
• muddle
• jar
• knock for a loop

2

as in to jump

to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise)

the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jump
• wince
• cringe
• flinch
• leap
• twitch
• bolt
• start
• jerk
• spook
• recoil
• jolt
• react
• respond
• bound
• shrink
• spring
• blench
• quail
• squinch

3

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• spook
• horrify
• shock
• fright
• panic
• terrorize
• alarm
• shake
• affright
• scarify
• appall
• amaze
• distract
• worry
• astound
• jolt
• give one the creeps
• make one's flesh creep
• disturb
• unnerve
• unsettle
• shake up
• daunt
• awe
• dismay
• disconcert
• distress
• perturb
• dispirit
• discomfort
• upset
• emasculate
• floor
• disquiet
• bowl over
• unman
• demoralize
• psych (out)
• discompose
• unstring
• undo
• chill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• soothe
• comfort
• cheer
• encourage
• console
• inspire
• steel
• solace
• hearten
• embolden

startle

2 of 2

noun

as in shock

Related Words

• shock
• startlement
• astonishment
• surprise
• amazement
• bewilderment
• stupefaction
• consternation
• discomfiture
• dismay
• awe
• confusion
• wonderment
• wonder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of startle

Verb

Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Preconceptions, assumptions, and advance knowledge in the viewing public are regarded as impediments to the capacity of the tale to surprise, startle, or transport. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 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