be startled

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

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

However in real life you cannot help but be startled by his stature, even back then as an 18-year-old.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2023

I expected him to be startled by such an out-of-the-blue question, but Osh wasn’t startled by much.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk