1
as in to amaze
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 to frighten
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shock
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of startle
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
For ages 12-up, Creepy Hollow Woods focuses on original scenes that startle without a focus on blood and gore.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Perry collected herself after the initial startle and resumed the song when the set design was stabilized.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Threaten the rubber hand by attempting to stab it with a dagger, for instance, and the participants exhibit an involuntary startle or fear response.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
For ages 12-up, Creepy Hollow Woods focuses on original scenes that startle without a focus on blood and gore.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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This isn’t the first time a dog has amazed the internet with spinal walking.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Kim Kardashian knows how to turn heads, but the reaction to her shapewear brand Skims unveiling of thongs with fake pubic hair amazed even her.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That figure jumped 26 percent over last year’s NLCS, which was the previous record in Japan.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Despite a challenging outlook for the luxury sector as a whole, markets have cheered de Meo’s arrival, with Kering’s share price jumping 83 percent since news of his appointment broke in June.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When the Maitlands' attempts to frighten the Deetzes away fail miserably, Barbara and Adam turn to the mysterious and mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to rid them of the living.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
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Around 100 pairs were found abandoned on the roof, perhaps due to the thieves being frightened away, Sheriff John Budensiek said at the news conference.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sudden macroeconomic shocks or trend reversals can push prices well below the EMA, leading to mark-to-market losses or assignments on declining stocks.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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Eight years on, FII has evolved from a stage for shock-and-awe reveals into a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s maturing economic strategy, and of Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) central role in driving it.—
Wael Mahdi,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some of his teammates, including Grizzle, said they were surprised by Doyle’s ability to put some spin on the ball.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Oct. 2025
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The president surprised many last week by announcing that an agreement with India had been reached to stop its buying of Russian crude oil.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Why Paying More Miles Was Worth It Points pros might wince at using KrisFlyer for all segments when Star Alliance partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus can price lower.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
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Lina winces at the sound of Jaya munching on an apple, made worse by the static on the line.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The former instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the latter emits an ultra-loud alarm while acting like a door stop wedge, scaring off any stranger who tries to enter your room.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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Actors dressed as sadistic guards and disturbed prisoners, jump-scaring visitors from the prison cells.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Those close to me were stunned by my transformation.—
Connie Bennett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Rafael and Deneane Hancock, who took first place, stunned the crowd with a C-Walk midway through their second scored couples dance.—
Alexa Stone
Updated October 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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