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
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
Sleep may be disturbed by a pet's movements, and dogs may bite if startled.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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This isn’t the first time a dog has amazed the internet with spinal walking.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Kim Kardashian knows how to turn heads, but the reaction to her shapewear brand Skims unveiling of thongs with fake pubic hair amazed even her.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That figure jumped 26 percent over last year’s NLCS, which was the previous record in Japan.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Despite a challenging outlook for the luxury sector as a whole, markets have cheered de Meo’s arrival, with Kering’s share price jumping 83 percent since news of his appointment broke in June.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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There are no effective repellents or devices that frighten away raccoons.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
-
One, frightened, pressed her belly into the pavement.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Car companies faced inflationary concerns, followed by shocks tied to tariffs and subsequent supply chain ramifications.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
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Our team will deliver a film that shocks, thrills and stands out.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some of his teammates, including Grizzle, said they were surprised by Doyle’s ability to put some spin on the ball.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Oct. 2025
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The president surprised many last week by announcing that an agreement with India had been reached to stop its buying of Russian crude oil.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Why Paying More Miles Was Worth It Points pros might wince at using KrisFlyer for all segments when Star Alliance partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus can price lower.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
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Lina winces at the sound of Jaya munching on an apple, made worse by the static on the line.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Carter Taylor of Kansas City, an elementary school educator and legislative chair for the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, said efforts to privatize education should scare parents.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
19 Oct. 2025
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Playing on parental fears, The Babadook has been scaring the daylights out of us for a solid decade now.—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Those close to me were stunned by my transformation.—
Connie Bennett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Rafael and Deneane Hancock, who took first place, stunned the crowd with a C-Walk midway through their second scored couples dance.—
Alexa Stone
Updated October 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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