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

Yet in my role as publisher of The New York Times, I continue to be startled by the growing resistance to independent journalism.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 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 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