startle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstär-tᵊl How to pronounce startle (audio)
Definition of startlenext
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
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
3
as in to frighten
to strike with fear loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

startle

2 of 2

noun

as in shock

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of startle
Verb
Stone Mountain, Georgia — Jean Shifrin was hiking up a steep mountain trail on the Fourth of July when she was startled by something approaching her from behind. — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 Exactly two years ago tomorrow, an unexpected visitor startled a homeowner in Hillsborough, New Jersey. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 July 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
  1. amaze
  2. jump
  3. frighten
  4. shock
  5. surprise
  6. wince
  7. scare
  8. astonishment
Verb
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • Once Platner dropped out on July 10, a flood of former governor candidates — including Jackson — and others jumped to try to take Platner's place.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • With both blockades fueling fears over global energy supplies, the price of international benchmark Brent crude oil jumped above the $100 a barrel threshold Thursday for the first time since May before dropping back down.
    — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk.
    — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
  • Fig, a dog from Tulare County, disappeared after becoming frightened by fireworks and gunfire during Fourth of July celebrations, according to authorities.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of frighten
Noun
  • They’re made with cushioned EVA footbeds that absorb shock and help relieve pressure on my joints, especially on my heaviest walking days.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • But raising rates would go against his framework of looking through supply shocks.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • Carambars from France, Meiji chocolates from Japan, Kopiko coffee candy from Korea, Amarelli black licorice from Italy… you’d be surprised how much the adults love them just as much as the kids.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 24 July 2026
  • The response to her story surprised her just as much as the decision itself.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • Today, hardly anyone winces at its many iterations, from teeny-weeny bikini to the tankini in dots large or small.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • The French superstar winced after a free kick sailed over the goalpost in the 88th minute.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Definition of wince
Verb
  • Still, the tournament scared off other groups who may have come here for business.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • But the Thunder, who remain $14 million above the luxury-tax line, did not trade Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe because the second-apron roster-building restrictions scared them.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of scare
Noun
  • The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • 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.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of astonishment

Browse Nearby Words

starting
startle
startled
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Cite this Entry

“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of startle for Spanish Speakers

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