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
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
There are frequent shots of monkeys around this season’s White Lotus, glaring on branches just out of reach, occasionally bounding down and startling the guests.
—Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 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
At the frantic pounding of feet, my attention startles toward the cavernous hall.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
There are frequent shots of monkeys around this season’s White Lotus, glaring on branches just out of reach, occasionally bounding down and startling the guests.
—Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 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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The polling came shortly before the stock market experienced a whirlwind on Monday, jumping briefly following rumors that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on implementation of the tariffs.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
8 Apr. 2025
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Medium-sized dogs can potentially jump up to 7 or 8 feet in the air, or even higher.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For the most part, yes, although children ages 8 and younger might be frightened by some of the action sequences.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
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Despite these protections on paper, permanent residents and visa-holders have been frightened by the speed and ferocity of the Trump administration’s crackdown and its bulldozing of due process rights, said Neil A. Weinrib, an immigration attorney for more than four decades.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
1 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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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
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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
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 16 Apr. 2025.
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