startled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of startlednext
1
as in surprised

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alarmed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

startled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of startle
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for startled
  1. surprised
  2. alarmed
  3. jumped
  4. stunned
  5. shocked
  6. terrified
  7. awed
  8. astonished
Adjective
  • However, many viewers were surprised to find out the fan-favorite character was actually played by a cisgender man, actor Park Sung-hoon, and not an actual transgender woman.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 30 Dec. 2024
  • This Earth sign loves a good tradition, so don’t be surprised if your plans lean toward classic celebration with a thoughtful twist — romantic dinners, heartfelt toasts or something as simple as a genuine conversation about the future with your special someone.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of surprised
Adjective
  • From his second-floor office in the Scurry County Courthouse, Hicks told the Abilene Reporter-News, part of the USA TODAY Network, workers in the building became alarmed during a5.0 quake Friday, which hit at 9:28 a.m. local time.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
  • Treasury aides who had once labored in obscurity took recommendations directly to Cabinet officials, who were simultaneously hearing from alarmed Fortune 500 CEOs and the heads of Wall Street banks.
    Federica Cocco, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
Definition of alarmed
Verb
  • Harry and Meghan's house has jumped about 110 percent in value in the same time frame.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
  • All my heart goes out to my beautiful, brave nephew and the angels (my neighbors) who jumped to my aid and endured the chaos for 45 long minutes on the icy asphalt New Years morning.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of jumped
Verb
  • For the coveted shoot, the Olympic athlete stunned in a variety of looks.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • However, most were stunned at Dawn's story.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of stunned
Verb
  • 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
  • The Context The incident is the latest in series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of shocked
Verb
  • 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
  • My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • The work of art is not a miraculously healing, autonomous object that finds its counterpoint in an awed and newly invigorated individual viewer.
    Michaëla de Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025
  • As a lapsed Catholic, I was awed by the brilliance of this altarpiece.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of awed
Verb
  • The findings left scientists astonished.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • In 2014, for instance, one researcher was astonished to watch a single sea otter devour roughly 30 European green crabs in an hour, per the Washington Post.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of astonished
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near startled

startle

startled

startlement

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Cite this Entry

“Startled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startled. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on startled

Nglish: Translation of startled for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of startled for Arabic Speakers

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