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
Dan Primack, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
The cat sniffs the iguana's tail and appears to bite it, startling the iguana.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Henning and Muche let out a startle, however, when a beaver struck the bottom of their canoe.
—Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for startle 
Verb
Read the court's opinion: Israeli intelligence sees growing chance Assad's forces collapse in Syria
Israeli intelligence officials have been startled by a faster-than-expected collapse of the Syrian army's defense lines over the last 24 hours, two senior Israeli officials tell Axios.
—Dan Primack, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
The cat sniffs the iguana's tail and appears to bite it, startling the iguana.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
An exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2023
Henning and Muche let out a startle, however, when a beaver struck the bottom of their canoe.
—Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
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The Met’s exhibition amazes in two contradictory ways: as a reappreciation of Rudolph’s artistry and as an assessment of his impact on the American city.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Traveling in infected wild birds, the virus took off and jumped over to North America in late 2021.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
7 Feb. 2025
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In beating Apple Valley, Prior Lake jumped out to a 41-28 lead at the break and cruised from there.—
Tom Schardin,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Thousands of residents and visitors have left Santorini, frightened by the earthquakes measuring between magnitude 3 and magnitude 5 in the area since the weekend.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
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President Trump did no one any favors and his irresponsible accusations were meant to confuse and spread an unfounded conspiracy while both trying to score political points as well as frighten the flying public needlessly.—
Michael B. Teiger,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fear, shock, and uncertainty have taken hold in the federal workforce as 2.3 million employees across the government face President Donald Trump's deadline by the end of Thursday to decide whether to resign.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
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More news: Lakers Trade of Luka Doncic Has Massive Implications on His Contract Eligibility The entire NBA world is still in shock at the trade, including Timberwolves superstar guard Anthony Edwards.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The final scene of the final episode of Cobra Kai is a pitch-perfect callback to a scene in the original 1984 Karate Kid movie where Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) surprises Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) by catching a fly with his chopsticks.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
People.com,
15 Feb. 2025
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In the end, Torres’ exhaustive devotion to detail proved effective in ways that surprised even her.—
Seth Abramovitch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Then, midway through the second set, the defending Australian Open champion winced when running down a ball from the Danish No. 13 seed on his backhand side.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
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Mindful of the land mines around establishing novel hunting seasons, and wincing over rejection of crane hunting on at least two previous occasions, promoters of the sandhill hunt were intentional about building stakeholder support for a season.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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His limited resume and the fact he’s spent more time in the box than on the edge also might scare teams, which means Walker’s potential draft range could be rather large.—
Nick Baumgardner,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
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That's one week after Borderlands 4 and just in time to scare everyone (hopefully) during the all-spooky Halloween season.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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They were stunned by the incandescence of her skin.—
Beth Landman,
The Hollywood Reporter,
8 Feb. 2025
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Father stunned when stranger pays his restaurant bill A dad having breakfast with his kids was amazed when a stranger out of nowhere took care of his bill.—
Christine Rousselle,
Fox News,
8 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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