as in astonishment
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
the look of startlement in her eyes when she found herself at the wedding seated next to her ex-boyfriend
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startlement
Noun
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026 -
Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
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Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
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At one point, Humphrey said the shock and grief of it all became too much.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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In addition to its style, it’s also made with practical features like shock-absorbing cushioning and a durable, grippy outsole that can handle everyday wear.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
Noun
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Cape Verde surprises once again When the World Cup draw first came out, Sunday’s group stage game in Miami between two-time champion Uruguay and tournament debutant Cape Verde did not seem like a particularly compelling matchup.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
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Sensors give engineers more ways to see inside concrete, steel, soil and water, turning some surprise closures into repairs planned months earlier.—
Alex Krasnok,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Startlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startlement. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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