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
-
That’s why teammates stood in astonishment, except for one.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
1 June 2026 -
Shortly after the first official auction, Kaiser texted Keeney to express astonishment over the strong buzz.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Connor says, reproducing his amazement.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Two years later — to my complete amazement — that idea has become a movement.—
Blake Crisses,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
No Platner supporter, however, can feel certain that the shocks have ceased.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
-
Chloe Demrovsky, a professor at New York University, member of the Coalition for an Insurable Future and former FEMA National Advisory Council member, said most Americans cannot absorb a financial shock of more than $1,000, making insurance a critical safety net.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Both the performances and the awards themselves at the 79th Tony Awards were especially memorable, with surprise winners popping up left and right.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
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Health authorities believe the outbreak, which took the eastern region of Congo by surprise after spreading silently for weeks without detection, started in the bustling mining area of Mongbwalu in Ituri province.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Startlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startlement. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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