Synonyms of startle

startle 1 of 2

verb

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

• amaze
• surprise
• stun
• shock
• astonish
• astound
• stupefy
• rock
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• surprize
• dumfound
• bewilder
• perplex
• take by surprise
• take aback
• thunderstrike
• disconcert
• bowl over
• befuddle
• floor
• discomfit
• confuse
• confound
• blindside
• shake up
• nonplus
• dismay
• blow away
• daze
• muddle
• jar
• knock for a loop

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

• jump
• wince
• cringe
• flinch
• leap
• twitch
• bolt
• start
• jerk
• spook
• recoil
• jolt
• react
• respond
• bound
• shrink
• spring
• blench
• quail
• squinch

3

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• spook
• shock
• horrify
• fright
• panic
• terrorize
• shake
• alarm
• affright
• scarify
• appal
• appall
• alarum
• amaze
• distract
• make one's flesh crawl
• astound
• jolt
• disturb
• give one the creeps
• make one's flesh creep
• unnerve
• unsettle
• shake up
• daunt
• awe
• dismay
• worry
• disconcert
• distress
• perturb
• dispirit
• discomfort
• upset
• floor
• emasculate
• bowl over
• disquiet
• unman
• demoralize
• psych (out)
• discompose
• unstring
• undo
• chill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• soothe
• comfort
• cheer
• encourage
• console
• inspire
• steel
• solace
• hearten
• embolden

startle

2 of 2

noun

as in shock

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shock
• startlement
• astonishment
• surprise
• surprize
• amazement
• bewilderment
• stupefaction
• consternation
• discomfiture
• dismay
• awe
• confusion
• wonderment
• wonder