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
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startle
Jennifer Peltz,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Outside of Houston, homeowner Sherri James was startled by a sudden crash, only to discover a 6-inch (15-cm) hole in her roof and a small piece of the solar system resting on her floor.
—
Shawn Laatsch,
The Conversation,
15 June 2026
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
The wife, who’d been fixated on the cages, shook with a startle, as if waking from a dream.
—
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Verb
Officials apparently were startled when more than 2,000 mostly young fans did just that.
—
Jennifer Peltz,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Outside of Houston, homeowner Sherri James was startled by a sudden crash, only to discover a 6-inch (15-cm) hole in her roof and a small piece of the solar system resting on her floor.
—
Shawn Laatsch,
The Conversation,
15 June 2026
Noun
Common reasons include the startle (Moro) reflex, discomfort, gas or reflux and a need for closeness.
—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
The wife, who’d been fixated on the cages, shook with a startle, as if waking from a dream.
—
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startle
Verb
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For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
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On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
Verb
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The blaze remained confined to the wrecking yard property, despite briefly jumping a fence and igniting vegetation to the west.
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His father, Brian Cohn, jumped into the pool to try to pull him out, but the suction from the drain was too strong.
Verb
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At the time of writing, as the Marine Traffic map shows, tanker traffic is barely moving through the Strait, and many ships, unable to obtain insurance or with their owners frightened at the level of risk involved, are refusing to advance.
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But because the president has frightened Congress, Congress doesn’t raise its voice when the president puts his Albert Speer–like building project, or intends to, on Congress’s land.
Noun
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Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
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Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
Verb
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But perhaps Modrić and Croatia can surprise everyone and make one more run.
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Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.
Verb
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The original originalists, the Constitution’s framers, would have winced.
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After the ensuing pitch to Max Schuemann, Skubal again winced and began pacing at the back of the mound.
Verb
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There was one American flag sign lit, with some storefront decor gleaming red, white and blue, but the heat seemingly scared most away from celebrating July 4 before Saturday's big day.
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Johnson says Monday was her first time on the Wild Mouse attraction; however, the experience did not scare her away from the park.
Noun
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The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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