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
Relevance
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
1
as in surprised
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in alarmed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startled
Verb
-
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 -
Boise State came out of halftime down 32-22 and jumped into a quick 5-0 run.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
One thing to watch out for Don’t be surprised to see Nicolas Jover prowling the Old Trafford technical area Sunday.—
Peter South,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The footage shows Partridge crying her eyes out over the prospect of losing Lilly, only to be surprised with a new addition in the shape of Coco. Donkey has now been castrated, and the adorable family trio lives together in a large field with Partridge's other horses.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Now less alarmed and more reflective, Alaina sees the letters as relics of the house's strange past.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
-
But before the deal was finalized, council members grew alarmed that the company did not seem to have the necessary equipment or subcontracts in place as Super Bowl LIX and the annual Mardi Gras celebrations loomed.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
However, most were stunned at Dawn's story.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
For the coveted shoot, the Olympic athlete stunned in a variety of looks.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
The Context The incident is the latest in series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
-
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
Adjective
-
My baby will kiss my cheek, slobbery and open-mouthed—a gift marked by a thousand tiny miracles.—
Jessica Slice,
Time,
9 May 2025
-
As Samuel sashays toward the camera, the Old English KES text on his upper right arm and a gigantic open-mouthed snake on his left come into frame.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
They too would have been astonished by its subtle yet pleasant effects and its practical use.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
-
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Startled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startled. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share