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
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Recent Examples of startle
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
With one quick push of a button, BLINGSTING Safety Alarms ear-piercing 125-decibel personal alarm sounds, intended to startle an aggressor and immediately alert bystanders that there’s a problem.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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The guys that amaze me the most are the guys that can turn it over every year and still be damn good.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His mere presence appeared to energize the Warriors early, with Golden State making 5 of its first 7 shots and Gui Santos scoring eight points as the Warriors jumped out to a 13-6 lead after three and a half minutes.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
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The hand-wound caliber, which features a flyback chronograph and a jumping-minute counter, was built around asymmetrical architecture that gives it that quintessentially Rexhepi feel.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some frighten people, while others delight them.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The marsupial escaped from Sunshine Farm in Necedah, a village about 90 miles away from Madison, on March 25, after being frightened by barking dogs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the following months, painful shocks radiated through her chest and back.—
Brett Kelman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Unlike past economic shocks to the system, such as the Great Recession or Covid, there will be fewer tools for the government to use to lessen the blow for businesses and consumers.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tribal members specifically built their homes in ways that prevented bears from getting in, and learned to always sing or make noise when walking down a trail, so as not to surprise them.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
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Taking a second swipe at cornerback shouldn’t surprise anyone, given the need for depth in that group.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There was no contact before Doncic stopped, then lay down on the floor while wincing in pain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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His portrayal of academic life will leave real professors wincing, if not giggling … Despite the obvious research that Martel put into his novel, there are too many gaffes about Homer and Greek epic to persuade any expert.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bossche says the encounter with the rattler hasn't scared her off the trails for good.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The outlet reported that, in the other scenario, guides and hotel staff, according to the CIB probe, have been coached to scare trekkers at high altitude, where altitude sickness can occur.—
Alex Nitzberg,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Arms were folded, faces stunned by, and a feeling of defeat—that's what was left as the road to the championship came to a halt with the Fighting Illini losing to the UConn Huskies.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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While new-car sales dropped in the EU through January, BYD stunned the market by reporting a 175% year-on-year increase in deliveries to 13,982 units, according to ACEA data.—
Sam Meredith,Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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