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
-
Whispers ripple in astonishment, and nods of approval are seen throughout the audience.—
Zoe Bahjat,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026 -
To his astonishment, the country’s Central Statistics Office had dropped price tracking of the nation’s most popular beer in 2011.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Much to my amazement, I got hired to do a new play and got a couple of small roles on some sitcoms.—
Martha L. Thompson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
There were whoops and cheers and what appeared to be grins of amazement at the King’s cheek.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan removed price controls on oil, a reversal of 1970s-era regulations following the oil shocks.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Those planted between now and November face extreme heat stress in addition to normal transplant shock — a deadly combination.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Everyone would remark on the crowdedness and the surprise of seeing him here and her too.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Living spaces are regularly stocked with detox snacks, and surprise gifts—such as paper lanterns to float across the pool—wait for guests each night on the bed.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Startlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startlement. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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