1
as in surprised
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alarmed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in amazed
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in jumped
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise)
the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightened
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startled
Adjective
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Nwodim was clearly surprised but also seemed a little thrilled, merrily noting that the show was going to get fined as Jost and Che howled with laughter behind her.—
Esther Zuckerman,
The Atlantic,
6 Apr. 2025 -
Sheeran has made some pop-up appearances recently, busking in front of surprised passers-by, while also previewing tracks from the forthcoming record for tastemakers.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Black is the ideal guy for the job here, screaming in agony while applying the nightmare product, and using Chester Cheetah as the alarmed straight man is inspired.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Cena's unprovoked assault, following a bizarre accusation, showcased a volatile side, prompting Jim Ross's alarmed reaction.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fox immediately jumped back in on the top power-play unit.—
Peter Baugh,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
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Migrant apprehensions jumped by 57% from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, along the San Diego border — from 216,955 to 341,580, according to Customs and Border Protection data.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
However, most were stunned at Dawn's story.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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For the coveted shoot, the Olympic athlete stunned in a variety of looks.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Subway Violence Meanwhile, the incident is the latest in a series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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And the art world is no different — some artists are using it to help generate work, and others are shocked by its capabilities.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 Dec. 2024
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My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Eugene Levy so much, his famous eyebrows get raised right off his head and go on a grand tour — ending up as a mustache on a baby, kings to awed caterpillars and even alighting on daughter Sarah’s hand before returning to his face.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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Sleek sea otters dive and twirl in a tank before awed visitors.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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They too would have been astonished by its subtle yet pleasant effects and its practical use.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
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Former and current military fighter pilots were astonished that the Secretary of Defense texted details of the classified attack plan.—
Rick Pozniak,
Boston Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Startled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startled. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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