Synonyms of startle

startle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstär-tᵊl 

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

• amaze
• surprise
• stun
• shock
• astonish
• astound
• stupefy
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• rock
• bewilder
• take by surprise
• perplex
• take aback
• thunderstrike
• disconcert
• bowl over
• confuse
• befuddle
• floor
• discomfit
• confound
• blindside
• daze
• shake up
• nonplus
• dismay
• blow away
• muddle
• jar
• knock for a loop

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

• jump
• wince
• cringe
• flinch
• leap
• twitch
• bolt
• start
• jerk
• spook
• recoil
• jolt
• react
• respond
• bound
• shrink
• spring
• blench
• quail
• squinch

3

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• spook
• horrify
• shock
• fright
• panic
• terrorize
• alarm
• shake
• affright
• scarify
• appall
• amaze
• distract
• worry
• astound
• jolt
• give one the creeps
• make one's flesh creep
• disturb
• unnerve
• unsettle
• shake up
• daunt
• awe
• dismay
• disconcert
• distress
• perturb
• dispirit
• discomfort
• upset
• emasculate
• floor
• disquiet
• bowl over
• unman
• demoralize
• psych (out)
• discompose
• unstring
• undo
• chill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• soothe
• comfort
• cheer
• encourage
• console
• inspire
• steel
• solace
• hearten
• embolden

startle

2 of 2

noun

as in shock

Related Words

• shock
• startlement
• astonishment
• surprise
• amazement
• bewilderment
• stupefaction
• consternation
• discomfiture
• dismay
• awe
• confusion
• wonderment
• wonder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of startle

Verb

Surveillance footage & evidence Police reviewed surveillance footage in the area, which showed the two gunshot victims walking, then appear startled, according to court records. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 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