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
Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025
One of the furry creatures walks up to Kid, the comedian’s dog, who is startled enough to leave his fluffy white bed.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Swaddling also helps prevent babies' natural startle reflex from waking them up, and having their arms held down keeps them from scratching themselves with their razor-sharp little newborn nails.
—Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Noun
Things come to a head not long after Carrie is startled by a naked Miranda wandering the halls in the middle of the night.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025
One of the furry creatures walks up to Kid, the comedian’s dog, who is startled enough to leave his fluffy white bed.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
14 July 2025
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Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?—
Jenny Porter Tilley,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, following the July 17 announcement, the first week of new shows (July 21-24) for The Late Show jumped to average 1 million households.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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In the past month, the logistics provider’s shares have jumped 40 percent to $31.25, as of the end of trading Thursday, buoyed by expectations that the LTL will be sold off.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Stink bugs tend to drop when frightened, so fill a cup with soapy water and hold it under the stink bug.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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His shock turns to elation, and then the wheels start spinning.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
25 July 2025
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Jenna Bush Hager brought a little spicy energy to Today With Jenna & Friends on Thursday, when the NBC personality used profanity during a live broadcast, much to the shock of colleague Willie Geist and her behind-the-scenes crew members.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Bruce Brigham, the business's president, said Howie Glass had been a Midwest Glass customer for about 30 years and they were surprised by the closure news.—
JC Reindl,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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Couples who've been surprised by a string of baby boys or baby girls could be forgiven for wondering whether the odds in the offspring lottery are more than just pure chance.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
22 July 2025
Verb
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As the prosecutor described the fatal injuries her daughter faced, Scarbrough bowed her head and winced.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
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Dakota Johnson is more charming than usual here but moves like someone whose feet have never touched the ground, who has never winced looking at a bill.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 June 2025
Verb
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There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Verb
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While she was alarmed by shiny black leggings, slingback boots, and a jean jacket, I was equally stunned by her Pentecostal version of nurses’ scrubs; a powder blue, boxy dress with a matching jacket and headwrap.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 July 2025
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For their part, other village trustees seemed shocked and stunned by these accounts.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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