startlement

noun

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
  1. astonishment
  2. amazement
  3. shock
  4. surprise
Noun
  • The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of astonishment
Noun
  • Captain America — also appears in the trailer’s final moments, much to Thor’s amazement.
    — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Çayoğlu mentions his amazement at meeting fans in Italy and Argentina, representations of their work crossing borders.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • They’re made with cushioned EVA footbeds that absorb shock and help relieve pressure on my joints, especially on my heaviest walking days.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • But raising rates would go against his framework of looking through supply shocks.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The designers have only one day to create this look — no surprise there.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Nationwide, Democratic lawmakers have been making surprise visits to ICE detention facilities after a federal judge ruled in March that the Department of Homeland Security cannot bar members of Congress from conducting unannounced inspections.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of surprise
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.

Browse Nearby Words

startled
startlement
startlements
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Cite this Entry

“Startlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startlement. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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