1
as in amazes
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
3
as in frightens
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startles
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
The project, which Steinberger has rebranded multiple times—evolving from Clawdbot to Moltbot and finally to OpenClaw—largely owing to politics—has expanded at a pace that startles even seasoned AI experts.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
As the dolphin gets closer to the glass, the Chihuahua lets out a bark that startles the dolphin, who then starts mimicking the dog's mouth movements in a sort of chasing game across species.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
That aural reminder punctuates my days now, and frequently startles me.
—Rob Mank, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
If hypotheticals about what could have been are a good dream for New York Knicks fans, then Mikal Bridges is the alarm clock that startles them awake.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
The project, which Steinberger has rebranded multiple times—evolving from Clawdbot to Moltbot and finally to OpenClaw—largely owing to politics—has expanded at a pace that startles even seasoned AI experts.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
As the dolphin gets closer to the glass, the Chihuahua lets out a bark that startles the dolphin, who then starts mimicking the dog's mouth movements in a sort of chasing game across species.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
That aural reminder punctuates my days now, and frequently startles me.
—Rob Mank, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startles
Verb
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This technology still amazes me.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
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What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Just as Stiller is about to finish his thought, a media member jumps into the interview with their phone out and asks Stiller for a shoutout to Puerto Rico.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
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The show consisted of several competition-style events including races, jumps, doughnuts, high-flyers motocross 70-foot jumps and some serious car smashing.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
7 June 2026
Verb
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But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
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The piercing sunlight frightens her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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New York — One of the biggest mysteries of the global economy is why the oil market has remained so calm during one of the greatest supply shocks in history.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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As the shocks from the Middle East crisis get passed on to consumers, inflation is set to rise while growth is expected to slow, further narrowing India’s appeal among global investors.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Laura Dern looks amazing in marabou feathers, Marissa Long stuns in sequins, and Chris Messina is also there.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 May 2026
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Torch Lake in Michigan stuns with its clear turquoise water, glacial origins, and iconic summer sandbar scene.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
21 May 2026
Verb
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Gather five of the most relevant comedians working today and ask what scares them most, and the answers vary.—
Lacey Rose,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
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Maybe the strait’s name—Death’s Door—scares them off.—
Charles Usher,
Midwest Living,
26 May 2026
Verb
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If those dominoes start to fall in a way that surprises Wall Street, reactions will be much more adverse.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
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Now, for the part that surprises most homeowners.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Frankly, the thought of being beaten by the subscribers terrifies me.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Aubry Bracco is the kind of player who terrifies a certain (male) demographic of Survivor alumni.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startles. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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