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
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Silver carp, in particular, are infamous for leaping out of the water when startled by boat motors, sometimes striking boaters.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
The wolves will startle and retreat.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Silver carp, in particular, are infamous for leaping out of the water when startled by boat motors, sometimes striking boaters.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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But Manso consistently pulls rebounds away from taller players, scores inside and makes plays that amaze his teammates.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Beneath the glamour and glitz is a heartwarming story that continues to dazzle and amaze every year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Reduce your high-rate debts Consumer debt has been rising year after year, and credit card balances alone have jumped dramatically in this economic climate.—
Aly J Yale,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Can the dunkers rediscover the creativity that compelled Blake Griffin to jump over a car, Gerald Green to blow out a cupcake candle on the rim, Dwight Howard to put on a cape and Vince Carter to stick his whole arm in the hoop?—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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Like the 1987 Kurt Vonnegut novel from which the restaurant took its name, Bluebeard encourages guests to drop their guard, surround themselves with other people and try something that frightens them a little.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Former Royals players and fans are still in shock over the untimely death of Terrance Gore.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
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The promise of this hedging strategy lies in diversification, diplomatic optionality, and insulation from tariff shocks.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The child prodigy who was a double outcast Political observers shouldn’t have been surprised.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Customers have been pleasantly surprised by this set, too, noting that the fabric feels luxurious while being extremely comfortable.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Michelle Yeoh is wincing at the thought of collecting her honorary Golden Bear here in Berlin.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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By the troubled end to his time at Molineux, Pereira appeared to wince each time the subject of sinking beer with supporters came up at press conferences.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Why this message is designed to scare This scam relies on presentation, not accuracy.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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That kind of stuff is fun, [and] doesn’t scare me too much.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
All are stunned by secrets that eventually emerge.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
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Michelle Obama stunned in a strapless black leather dress while dancing with husband Barack Obama in a Valentine's Day post shared by the former president.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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