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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
  • Much commentary has consisted of expressions of astonishment.
    — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • When Hinton quit in May 2023, AI was mostly a story of astonishment.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of astonishment
Noun
  • At every turn, and every question, Carr gave OBJ his props, and expressed amazement that that ball was caught.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
  • That moment, consummated with five minutes left in SJCC’s 41-21 loss to College of the Redwoods, was the culmination of weeks of media hype, expectation and shock and amazement from those across the country who became aware of Buzzard’s story.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • Today, the mechanisms that contained the initial energy shock are faltering.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Rate hikes can't easily fix supply-side issues like the prolonged energy shock taking place right now.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The killings typically played out in similar ways, with the victims – all strangers to Scott – approached while isolated and then apparently shot by surprise.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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