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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of startle
Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
While June and Nick, still trapped in the closet, marinate in his betrayal, the women of Jezebel’s are startled by guardians busting into their dressing room and roughly moving them into the corner of the space that doubles as a bathroom.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 May 2025
Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
That's why, while scrolling through a weightlifting message late one night, Johnston was startled by how people who lifted talked about exercise.
—Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
While June and Nick, still trapped in the closet, marinate in his betrayal, the women of Jezebel’s are startled by guardians busting into their dressing room and roughly moving them into the corner of the space that doubles as a bathroom.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 May 2025
Noun
Swaddling also helps prevent babies' natural startle reflex from waking them up, and having their arms held down keeps them from scratching themselves with their razor-sharp little newborn nails.
—Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 22 Feb. 2023
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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What amazes me is how reading has affected not just me but so many others as well.—
Lynne Agress,
Baltimore Sun,
19 May 2025
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While the dazzling auroras might’ve amazed our ancestors, the weak magnetic field intensified ultraviolet and cosmic radiation.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The Knicks’ starters were outscored by 29 points over the first two games, and Indiana jumped out to a first-quarter lead both nights.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2025
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Set three saw a complete turnaround as the Crusaders jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, notching four aces in the set.—
Tim Meehan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Verb
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By sharing a visual insight into their space, Spencer hopes people won’t be frightened by the unknown.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
22 May 2025
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Meanwhile, in the real world, Netflix’s release strategy continues to frighten and confuse.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Shekinah’s friends were then in for a shock when Sarper suggested a clause of his own for their theoretical prenup.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
26 May 2025
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The shock expressed by analysts and Jørgensen's surprise at his firing reveal catastrophic communication breakdown.—
Tima Bansal,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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While watching car auctions together may surprise some, Kidman previously shared that Urban is a car enthusiast with Marie Claire Australia for the magazine's November 2020 issue.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Goertzel winced, because the question is challenging.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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Not just my face but also the faces of all middle-aged women who foolishly smiled, laughed, winced, frowned or squinted between birth and the year 2025.—
Gwen Rockwood,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The employee said to not shoot the bear and advised him to call Public Safety to scare it away, officials said, adding that what likely attracted the bear to the man’s home were food items, including cat food and unclean grills.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
25 May 2025
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This is the second bill DeSantis has signed in Florida on swatting, or making false police reports to scare victims by sending law enforcement to their home.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead after stunning the Knicks at MSG in Games 1 and 2.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 May 2025
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Related article Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers stun New York Knicks in overtime to take Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals Siakam insisted, however, that he and his teammates were not getting distracted by the prospect of writing their names in franchise history.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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