1
as in surprised
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alarmed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in amazed
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in jumped
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise)
the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightened
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startled
Adjective
-
So don’t be surprised if Cuba is back soon in the headlines.—
Andres Oppenheimer,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025 -
Meanwhile, the worst states for aging in places were as follows: Florida Kentucky North Carolina Georgia Alabama Tennessee Mississippi Vermont Oklahoma Hawaii Many retirees may be surprised to find Florida ranked the lowest for aging in place.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The Trump administration’s unprecedented action against Harvard is not the only reason why international college students have become alarmed about their future in the United States.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Boise State came out of halftime down 32-22 and jumped into a quick 5-0 run.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Migrant apprehensions jumped by 57% from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, along the San Diego border — from 216,955 to 341,580, according to Customs and Border Protection data.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
However, most were stunned at Dawn's story.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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For the coveted shoot, the Olympic athlete stunned in a variety of looks.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Subway Violence Meanwhile, the incident is the latest in a series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
-
And the art world is no different — some artists are using it to help generate work, and others are shocked by its capabilities.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 Dec. 2024
-
My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Indiana State Police Troopers Amanda Parker and Jaylen Holt-Terry took their plates and sat off to the side Tuesday afternoon, awed by the history in the room.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
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The magazine saw itself as literary but not self-serious; if the stereotypical National Geographic story was a walk through the jungle recounted in hushed, awed tones, its Outside equivalent was a little dustier, wilder, and less reverent.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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They too would have been astonished by its subtle yet pleasant effects and its practical use.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
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Former and current military fighter pilots were astonished that the Secretary of Defense texted details of the classified attack plan.—
Rick Pozniak,
Boston Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Startled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startled. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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