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
Michael Cox, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.
—The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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
Both Eriksson and Capello were startled by the off-field challenge of managing England and their downfalls ultimately had little to do with footballing matters.
—Michael Cox, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.
—The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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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This isn't the first time a thrift store find has amazed the internet.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
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After sharing this revelation on TikTok, Kiersten has amazed social media users with the selection of designer bags inside her mom's garage.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As Owen Michaels’ championship-game sealing empty-netter went in late in Saturday’s third period, the Western Michigan forward raced to the bench and jumped over the boards.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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The Marlins, who seized a four-run lead Friday before losing 7-4, jumped ahead early Saturday as well.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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An American Airlines flight was forced to turn back around after a disruptive passenger began to frighten other passengers on the way from New York to Milan on Tuesday, April 8, the airline said.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.—
Zameena Mejia,
Refinery29,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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An example would be a war or an oil price shock, or the coronavirus pandemic that caused the February to March 2020 bear market.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
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The biggest shock to anyone standing within that path and having clear weather — which certainly wasn’t everyone on April 8, 2024 — was the sight of the sun's corona, its wispy white outer atmosphere.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On March 14, Parton surprised fans by appearing at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in honor of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary.—
Elizabeth Stanton,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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During a press conference on Thursday (Apr. 3), Raleigh festival organizers surprised fans by revealing that Dreamville Fest will return in the future under a new iteration.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Just look at what could’ve been the game-winning 3-pointer: The entire nation, minus Gator fans, winced at that.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
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City officials winced at the thought of heavy military equipment rolling on streets.—
Cuneyt Dil,
Axios,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Ant scare Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
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Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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