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
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Maybe their first kiss wasn’t a spontaneous expression of care, but a deliberate attempt to startle Emma.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at these quick-thinking kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Even so, the precise observations captured by these telescopes never cease to amaze me.—
Olivia Harper Wilkins,
The Conversation,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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All five girls jumped off the couch, stampeded toward the apartment door, and tumbled into the building’s stairwell, stepping on each other’s heels.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The defensive spark plug somehow jumped higher than any Nuggets forward did for a rebound in Minneapolis last Thursday night, chest-thumping the glass at the top of his leap.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
Verb
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The Lord in your convent frightened me, Jesus with his bloody palms and gaping mouth, eyes rolled back in terror.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
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How To Keep Skunks Away From Your Yard There are no effective repellants or devices that frighten skunks away.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 1981, President Ronald Reagan removed price controls on oil, a reversal of 1970s-era regulations following the oil shocks.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
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Those planted between now and November face extreme heat stress in addition to normal transplant shock — a deadly combination.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Previous Spirit Airlines customers, however, may still be surprised by the Delta price tag.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
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Did Laurie’s approach to playing Linda surprise you?—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Vanderbilt was in a ton of pain, and even the Thunder bench winced at Vanderbilt’s hand.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
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Ehlers sits with injury Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers looked to be in pain in Game 3, wincing multiple times while trying not to limp on the ice.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Shopping malls across Southern California have also struggled to bring sales back as immigration raids continue to scare customers away.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Don’t let the threat of more rain scare you away from checking out what’s going on around Kansas City.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Verb
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When the Met Gala honored Gianni Versace in 1997, Salma Hayek stunned in leather and was not shy about showing some skin.—
Alex Apatoff,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
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On Friday, some were stunned by news of Herbst’s resignation — including the mayor.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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