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
Jennifer Peltz,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Outside of Houston, homeowner Sherri James was startled by a sudden crash, only to discover a 6-inch (15-cm) hole in her roof and a small piece of the solar system resting on her floor.
—
Shawn Laatsch,
The Conversation,
15 June 2026
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
Verb
Officials apparently were startled when more than 2,000 mostly young fans did just that.
—
Jennifer Peltz,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Outside of Houston, homeowner Sherri James was startled by a sudden crash, only to discover a 6-inch (15-cm) hole in her roof and a small piece of the solar system resting on her floor.
—
Shawn Laatsch,
The Conversation,
15 June 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
Verb
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More than 30 years later, what amazes me isn’t just what that team accomplished on the field.
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This technology still amazes me.
Verb
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Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.
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Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.
Verb
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But her outbursts frightened the children too.
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What frightened me most was what might happen to my children.
Noun
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At one point, Humphrey said the shock and grief of it all became too much.
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In addition to its style, it’s also made with practical features like shock-absorbing cushioning and a durable, grippy outsole that can handle everyday wear.
Verb
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Through the fantastical nature of this story and the original nature of the omniscient narrator Ahmad is able to continually surprise.
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There was also a nice moment with his dad, who surprised him after flying to New York on a red-eye Sunday morning.
Verb
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Everybody winced when Igor Tudor dragged Kinsky off the pitch after 17 minutes of Tottenham’s embarrassing defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
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My father is a can-do, glass-half-full guy, a quality that has always felt like a rebuke of my own bleak world view, which makes the poor man literally wince.
Verb
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Don’t be scared by his blue eyes.
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The intent of the letters isn’t to scare people, but to educate them about water stewardship, Talbott said.
Noun
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
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Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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