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
Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026
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
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
Both fans were loud enough at their medium speeds to startle my cats.
—Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026
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
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
-
The imposing tower never ceases to amaze local resident Ogden Driskill, whose family has ranched on the land at its base for generations.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
When Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone at America’s Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, the invention amazed the crowd.—
David H. Hsu,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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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But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Something super fascinating there that really surprised me.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
At times, she’s been shown wincing on the bench.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
Vanderbilt was in a ton of pain, and even the Thunder bench winced at Vanderbilt’s hand.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Don’t let the Frito pie flavor scare you away — Salt & Straw ice cream is known for its richness, packed with as much butter-fat content as possible — similar to Melt.—
Ella Gonzales
May 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
-
Over-regulating could scare more insurers away; under-regulating could inflate prices even more.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
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 16 May. 2026.
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