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
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Avoid sudden movements or noises, which can startle animals.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 May 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
On one occasion, a suckerfish was captured disappearing into a manta ray's backside after a diver swimming nearby appeared to startle it.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Avoid sudden movements or noises, which can startle animals.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 May 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
-
What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
-
The performance, supported by the Marc Dunworth Foundation for the Performing Arts, will include pulling a live rabbit out of a hat, levitating a volunteer and other tricks designed to amaze children and adults.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Rivas jumped from an elevated part of Interstate 310 and landed in swampland below, state police said.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
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Cue to the adorable Scooby-Doo excitedly jumping into Shaggy’s (Tanner Hagen) arms.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
No Platner supporter, however, can feel certain that the shocks have ceased.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
-
Chloe Demrovsky, a professor at New York University, member of the Coalition for an Insurable Future and former FEMA National Advisory Council member, said most Americans cannot absorb a financial shock of more than $1,000, making insurance a critical safety net.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Demand for the prog-rockers surprised even Rush stalwarts Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
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Deoras said the discovery of those invariants was the finding that surprised him most.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Verb
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The slot formerly occupied by Milli Vanilli will be taken by a dog whistle, being blown into the microphone very loudly so that everyone winces and covers their ears.—
Alexandra Petri,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
-
Duncan winces, then again attempts to change the subject.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Stop using implausible scenarios to scare young people and the gullible with claims about global catastrophe due to future global temperature increases.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
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Sizable jury verdicts scare entities into expensive settlements, which raises the risk pool’s reinsurance costs and trickles down to members.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Lithgow, to the contrary, was clearly stunned — and deeply honored.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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The speed stunned Hamlin, who credited his team with some quick fixes that stabilized the wounded vehicle.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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