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

Occasionally a large group of birds will be startled and show up as a ring on the radar detection system, he said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2023

Harper, is new to you, prepare to be startled by how ridiculous it is.

From Slate • Dec. 7, 2022

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