startlement

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
  • This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.
    David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 14 May 2025
  • The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025
  • To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.
    Debby Waldman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His selection by the 133 cardinals in the two-day conclave to choose the late Pope Francis' successor came as a surprise to papal experts and onlookers, who did not expect an American to emerge victorious.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Outside of Italy, the idea that this wine deserves celebration may come as a surprise.
    Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 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.

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“Startlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startlement. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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