startles 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of startle
1
2
as in jumps
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

startles

2 of 2

noun

plural of startle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for startles
Verb
  • If no one new has joined, the group jumps straight to the final part of the club, which is a group prayer.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In the clip, Mees opens the door for the yowling Crush, who quickly paws inside and jumps up on a side table next to Cora's crib.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Set over four floors, the pad stuns right away with a striking entrance hall clad in Crema Luna limestone with views of the lush formal gardens.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Explore Charlottesville Meadows of Dan In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Meadows of Dan stuns with natural beauty at all times of the year.
    Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry

“Startles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startles. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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