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
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Recent Examples of startle
Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
With one quick push of a button, BLINGSTING Safety Alarms ear-piercing 125-decibel personal alarm sounds, intended to startle an aggressor and immediately alert bystanders that there’s a problem.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 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
The realization that many members did not have the same connection to Israel, and even sympathized with its critics, startled her.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
With one quick push of a button, BLINGSTING Safety Alarms ear-piercing 125-decibel personal alarm sounds, intended to startle an aggressor and immediately alert bystanders that there’s a problem.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 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
-
The array of quality dishes amaze; chefs stand ready to slice roasts like prime rib and prepare pastas to order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at this high school principal's incredible bravery.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Players and staff alike jumped up and embraced — for the fourth time — to celebrate their win.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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At close range, Bruce would extend his neck to thrust at opponents, adding a run or jump to the motion when attacking from farther away.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
7 Apr. 2026
-
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
New Environment If your plant has gone through a significant change in its environment recently—colder or warmer temperatures, a sudden lack of humidity, a change in light levels or watering habits—the shock could cause leaf drop.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
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That’s why most economists agree the oil price shock from the Iran war probably won’t end in a recession.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Short has previously praised his Oscar-winning costar for her demeanor on set, sharing what might surprise fans most about working with her.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The sharp rebound has surprised some market watchers because the conflict remains unresolved and a fragile ceasefire faces looming deadlines.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Internally, some employees winced as the prices of some chips surpassed $7.—
Wire TBD,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Turning up the music in get car so that her daughter won’t hear, the grandmother gets out the car, takes a revolver out of her bag, and wincing and turning away, shoots the animal in the head.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This isn’t a film about trauma, or smuggled-in social issues, or anything at all, really, besides the honest workaday business of scaring the bejesus out of its audience, rinsing, and repeating with extra vigor.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
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The combination doesn’t scare everyone.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The South Bay’s theater and vocal world were stunned by the sudden passing of Fang Klein, a popular performer, vocal instructor and performing arts advocate, with tributes throughout social media pouring in from all corners of the community.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The teen’s murder stunned parkgoers.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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