Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

be startled

VERB
wonder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admire marvel stare
STRONG
boggle gape gawk
WEAK
be astonished be awestruck be confounded be dumbstruck be fascinated be flabbergasted be taken aback look aghast
Antonyms
WEAK
anticipate believe expect know

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But even jaded readers will be startled by the scope of the self-organizing tyranny besetting the book world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

While advocating for tougher social media regulation on a panel about disinformation, Janja Lula da Silva appeared to be startled by a loud noise, joking, "I think it's Elon Musk."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

A person with Tourette disorder might be startled by each separate sound, especially if it increases in volume.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

But of the thousands of brands flooding the marketplace, consumers might be startled to see what appears to be LGBTQ+ slurs in the mix.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2024

I would be startled to catch myself thinking in a remote way of my earlier self as another person.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey