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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of startle
Lincee Ray, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Bravery eventually appeared but was startled, before Susan and Colleen's dog Daisy then went in to assist.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
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
Unfortunately, that proves to be a problem when freaking Rob Cameron (Chris Fulton) startles Bri in her kitchen!
—Lincee Ray, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Bravery eventually appeared but was startled, before Susan and Colleen's dog Daisy then went in to assist.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
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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To see you everyday and know the 1,127 different directions you get pulled in and still handle things like a boss amazes me at times.Avalon Hester, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
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What amazed me most, however, was the large number of people watching and tracking the trial.Anthony Michael Kreis, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Whitening toothpaste won't make your teeth instantly jump several shades brighter than an in-office treatment might.Annie Blackman, Allure, 27 Dec. 2024
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On Saturday, a 48-year-old woman died after trying to jump overboard from a Princess Cruises ship en route back to Florida after traveling around the Caribbean.Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But these videos have gotten increasingly ominous and predatory, even frightening me at times.Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
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Walking into that pitch-black space, not seeing anything while having my eyes wide open exhilarated and frightened me.Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The film’s second half goes in for horror-movie shock effects when the ghost of a white nemesis haunts the Charles family — bringing back the terrors of slavery — and the talisman piano becomes an instrument of exorcism.Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
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Tears of joy and literally in shock everyday koo koo crazy so in love and blessed !!!Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Like Arrieta, he wasn’t deterred or surprised by the larger crowds.Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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This astonishing feat surprised even the members themselves, as 82MAJOR is a relatively rookie group.WWD, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Eilish winced upon its impact, turning her head to show palpable disappointment.Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
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The two of them winced when a gunman raised his rifle with one hand into the air and let loose a salvo.Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In their colorful garb, participants move to the sounds of drums and loud music meant to both honor the ancestors and scare away lingering spirits.Sasha C. Wells / Made by History, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
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Today in Colorado and across the West the boogeyman used to scare us into cutting down forests is the natural and essential process of wildfire.Josh Schlossberg, The Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned about extremist jihadis among the rebels.ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
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The two were eventually separated by Packers staff and game officials, but the incident left the veteran head coach stunned.Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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