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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of startle
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024
Every issue was action-packed and page-heavy with genuine human moments, startling new wrinkles to the Spider-Man mythos, and gorgeous art.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Henning and Muche let out a startle, however, when a beaver struck the bottom of their canoe.
—Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for startle 
Verb
How about experiments on the swimming ability of a dead rainbow trout or that time biologists tried to startle cows by popping paper bags by their heads?
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024
Every issue was action-packed and page-heavy with genuine human moments, startling new wrinkles to the Spider-Man mythos, and gorgeous art.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Henning and Muche let out a startle, however, when a beaver struck the bottom of their canoe.
—Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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Providing instant access to a wealth of information, the internet amazed my inquisitive mind.Usman Javaid, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
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The two played four minutes together during one of the Lakers’ six preseason games, a moment that left LeBron James amazed.Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
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As the man and his daughter are about to drive away after the game, Kayce jumps into their car and holds the daughter at gunpoint, demanding the man drive.Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
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Or, jump the tracks and check into Cave Springs, which has modern rooms and Airstream trailers.Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Others rely on odor, such as predator urine, that frightens them away from the area or a bad smell from rotten eggs that simply discourages them.Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2024
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These are behaviors by a spouse, partner or loved one that are meant to control, isolate or frighten.R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The risk of doing so is too great, given the likelihood of some other economic shock that will inevitably become manifest.Ivan Illan, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
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Weight regain may be somewhat of a shock to your system and allow more harmful bacteria to thrive.13 The gut bacteria instability from yo-yo dieting may contribute to digestive issues and inflammation and affect your mood.Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Nikola Jokic’s full-court tip shot might have been the best miss in NBA history Did the three-time MVP surprise himself with how close the shot came?The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024
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Saatva Sateen Sheet Set & Latex Pillows Bundle Another thing Saatva is good at that might not surprise you: Linens.Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Native artists winced two years ago when Gilbert Ortega Jr. accosted Native performers in front of his Old Town Scottsdale store during a Super Bowl promotion.Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
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Seven-year-old Nathalie winced one morning as a nurse injected an antibiotic in her arm.Elian Peltier, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2024
Verb
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When Deadline visits Sky Studios Elstree there is a hawk named Zeus arriving on site to scare off smaller birds making their homes in the warmth of the site’s 12 soundstages.Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024
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The self-defense siren is incredibly loud, designed to attract attention and scare off anyone who might pose a threat.Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The actress also stunned at the 2024 Governors Awards in her own glamorous take on the little black dress.Chiara Kim, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
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In a clip shared by DJ Akademiks, Blueface proudly showed the Baddies star her name on the left side of his jaw, leaving Rock visibly stunned.Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
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