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
Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Whether a pup bolts after a squirrel, slips its collar, or runs off after being startled, those first few minutes can feel endless.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
White disappears completely into the role without skirting parody, portraying the exhausted hitmaker as startled by his own numbness, blanked out and unsure of what to do next.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Whether a pup bolts after a squirrel, slips its collar, or runs off after being startled, those first few minutes can feel endless.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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What amazes her is how someone chose to save these items and hang on to them for future generations.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
-
This isn’t the first time a dog has amazed the internet with spinal walking.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Total revenue, which jumped 10% year-on-year in the third quarter on a constant currency basis, is expected to rise by a high single-digit percentage this year, while core earnings per share are forecast to jump by a low double-digit percentage.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
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Nothing could be more indicative of the nature and power of late value form than the prospect that even the most unashamedly denialist administration might jump onto its bandwagon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Tens of millions of dollars have been spent to redefine reality and to convince our neighbors that this new age is something that should frighten them.—
TIME Video,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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There is a deep sense of shock at the BBC over the events of the past 24 hours, but also of anger.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
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And the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting countries with its operational framework for climate-resilient health systems, offering a blueprint for countries to use these funds to build health systems that can withstand and respond to climate shocks.—
Vanessa Kerry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Han isn’t surprised that global firms are now embracing Chinese robotaxis.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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The tight race has surprised some in the traditionally blue state, which has had a Democratic governor for the past eight years and a legislature controlled by Democrats for even longer.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In a video of the incident, Tricia lets out a loud scream and winces as the champagne drips from her hair, into her eyes and onto her face.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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The actress was shown wincing in pain before being escorted out of the ballroom on a stretcher into an ambulance.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Still, the company faces the same existential headwinds that have scared other would-be moguls away from the news business.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Skinner has gone to back-to-back Cup Finals, but the volatility in his game probably scares decision-makers.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Elkins was stunned by how quickly the video gained traction.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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On November 3, Paddington’s press tour brought him to the BBC, where journalist David Sillito was stunned into silence after seeing the bear in the flesh fur.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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