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
Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
For ages 12-up, Creepy Hollow Woods focuses on original scenes that startle without a focus on blood and gore.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
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
Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
For ages 12-up, Creepy Hollow Woods focuses on original scenes that startle without a focus on blood and gore.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
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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What amazes her is how someone chose to save these items and hang on to them for future generations.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
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This isn’t the first time a dog has amazed the internet with spinal walking.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Total revenue, which jumped 10% year-on-year in the third quarter on a constant currency basis, is expected to rise by a high single-digit percentage this year, while core earnings per share are forecast to jump by a low double-digit percentage.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
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Nothing could be more indicative of the nature and power of late value form than the prospect that even the most unashamedly denialist administration might jump onto its bandwagon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When the Maitlands' attempts to frighten the Deetzes away fail miserably, Barbara and Adam turn to the mysterious and mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to rid them of the living.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
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Around 100 pairs were found abandoned on the roof, perhaps due to the thieves being frightened away, Sheriff John Budensiek said at the news conference.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But this could be the start of a period of stagflationary shocks where both sides of the mandate get worse at the same time.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a shock return for former head coach Gary O’Neil, with Rob Edwards another prominent candidate and Michael Carrick also in the frame to replace Vitor Pereira.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Han isn’t surprised that global firms are now embracing Chinese robotaxis.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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The tight race has surprised some in the traditionally blue state, which has had a Democratic governor for the past eight years and a legislature controlled by Democrats for even longer.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In a video of the incident, Tricia lets out a loud scream and winces as the champagne drips from her hair, into her eyes and onto her face.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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The actress was shown wincing in pain before being escorted out of the ballroom on a stretcher into an ambulance.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That’s something that scares me a little bit about not just theater, but people giving any opinions about any business.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Nov. 2025
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Allow your emotions, even the ones that scare you, to come and go without judgment.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Elkins was stunned by how quickly the video gained traction.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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On November 3, Paddington’s press tour brought him to the BBC, where journalist David Sillito was stunned into silence after seeing the bear in the flesh fur.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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