startle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstär-tᵊl How to pronounce startle (audio)
Definition of startlenext
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
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
3
as in to frighten
to strike with fear loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

startle

2 of 2

noun

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
Verb
Stone Mountain, Georgia — Jean Shifrin was hiking up a steep mountain trail on the Fourth of July when she was startled by something approaching her from behind. — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 Exactly two years ago tomorrow, an unexpected visitor startled a homeowner in Hillsborough, New Jersey. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 July 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
  1. amaze
  2. jump
  3. frighten
  4. shock
  5. surprise
  6. wince
  7. scare
  8. astonishment
Verb
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • Prosecutors say after killing her children, Clancy cut her wrists and neck and jumped from a second-story window, leaving her partially paralyzed.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • On the fourth rep, Nixon jumped an out route and had a chance for an interception, but dropped it.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • Taylor contends the company welcomes more FDA scrutiny, and cautions against letting the outbreak frighten consumers away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk.
    — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
Definition of frighten
Noun
  • This sleeker style has a gel sole for shock impact on a run or hike.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 Aug. 2026
  • An independent financial economist has partnered with Kalshi on a new AI tool on top of the prediction-market exchange that aims to help small businesses hedge against everything from bad weather to election shocks—without hiring a Wall Street bank.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • If the June drop was a statistical quirk – and the labor force rebounded last month and increased the number of people vying for jobs – the unemployment rate could surprise and tick back up.
    — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski surprised much of the baseball world by reshaping the infield and ultimately asking Bryce Harper to return to the outfield.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • My husband walked into the room and winced as one of the women changed into a perfect re-creation of an American Girl–doll outfit (very theater kid, not his thing).
    — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Today, hardly anyone winces at its many iterations, from teeny-weeny bikini to the tankini in dots large or small.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Definition of wince
Verb
  • The $300 price tag won’t scare off the most intense Star Wars fanatics.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Be a menace to people in the community, driving his boat 70 to 80 miles per hour, driving around scaring the heck out of people, taking people's lives.
    — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of scare
Noun
  • The Platts look on with astonishment when their idyllic 1970s neighborhood appears to be transported way back in time.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 30 July 2026
  • The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of astonishment

Browse Nearby Words

starting
startle
startled
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Cite this Entry

“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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