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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of startle
Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024
Ukraine, meanwhile, startled Russia by sending troops across the border in a daring incursion last month.
—Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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
As prey animals, they can be easily startled and stressed by the loud noises and fast, uncoordinated movements typical of excited kids.
—Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024
Ukraine, meanwhile, startled Russia by sending troops across the border in a daring incursion last month.
—Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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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The two played four minutes together during one of the Lakers’ six preseason games, a moment that left LeBron James amazed.Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
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The title signals the jump scare that the image maker hoped would likewise amaze the viewer when the 3D ghost loomed before their very eyes.Andrea Kaston Tange, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
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In District 2, incumbent Hong Alyce Van was challenged by Victor Barrios, who had jumped to an early lead on Tuesday night.Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
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In the race for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly jumped out to an early lead over Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake, though the outcome remained uncertain.Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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But Hanks does commendable supporting work as a nerdy FBI agent on Abagnale’s trail — essentially playing the sort of conventional square whose mediocre life frightens the restless, rootless Abagnale.Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
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There is little evidence wolves frighten elk merely by their presence, the authors say.ByVirginia Morell, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
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After scooping the treble last term, head coach Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to find the best system for his men which includes Mbappe and also makes up for the control in midfield lost by Toni Kroos' shock retirement.Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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The Selzer poll has been viewed as evidence that pollsters calling the race a dead heat have been acting out of a desire to seek safety in numbers following the shock 2016 election result that failed to spot latent support for Trump.Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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But even the most devoted cat lovers might be surprised by the results of a new study.Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
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Watch on Hulu At Witt’s End On December 1, 1994, 19-year-old Melissa Witt drove to surprise her mother at a bowling alley in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but disappeared without a trace.Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The pianist winced at the bassist, and the saxophonist struggled to find any space in the rhythm.Ariel Katz, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
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Artists who worked with or were professionally close to Combs, such as Usher might now wince at their association.Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Fear of further controversy or a backlash from pro-Israeli supporters appears to have scared off U.S. distributors.Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
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Instead, make noise to scare it away, the website said.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The endangered turtle was hypothermic and lethargic, stunned by the chilly waters of Pedder Bay.Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
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Blake Lively stuns in white at the CFDA Fashion Awards on Oct. 28 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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