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
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 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
Maybe their first kiss wasn’t a spontaneous expression of care, but a deliberate attempt to startle Emma.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 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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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at these quick-thinking kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Even so, the precise observations captured by these telescopes never cease to amaze me.—
Olivia Harper Wilkins,
The Conversation,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After the United States and Iran failed to agree on the peace proposal on May 10, oil prices jumped $3 a barrel.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Sony — The stock jumped more than 6% after the company announced a joint venture with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to develop and manufacture image sensors.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The Lord in your convent frightened me, Jesus with his bloody palms and gaping mouth, eyes rolled back in terror.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
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How To Keep Skunks Away From Your Yard There are no effective repellants or devices that frighten skunks away.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Retail’s hiring surge reflects growing optimism that consumers will keep spending in the face of economic shocks, Stahle said.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
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Strains of hantavirus can result in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock, like in individuals on the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to the World Health Organization.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Pacer Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 10, with Saud Shakeel taking a catch at gully after the batter was surprised by the extra bounce.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
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Something super fascinating there that really surprised me.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Vanderbilt was in a ton of pain, and even the Thunder bench winced at Vanderbilt’s hand.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
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Ehlers sits with injury Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers looked to be in pain in Game 3, wincing multiple times while trying not to limp on the ice.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Shopping malls across Southern California have also struggled to bring sales back as immigration raids continue to scare customers away.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Don’t let the threat of more rain scare you away from checking out what’s going on around Kansas City.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Days after the shooting stunned Shreveport, a whirlwind of police lights, camera crews and grieving relatives swarmed the neighborhood where the killings unfolded, the streets vibrating with sirens, the air shrouded in questions and disbelief.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
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The following year, a judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison on possession and drug trafficking charges – a ruling that stunned her family.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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