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.

He gleefully brought the startled players together with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, an uptown salsa and jazz band, for concerts at Lincoln Center and Washington Heights.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Cenet said he was startled to see that "everyday life continued" on the ship after the captain's announcement.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

I was surprised to see “Lorne” touch on both of these factors, and even more startled to find myself respecting Michaels’ reluctance to apologize for any of his decisions.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

He described one instance when he was startled by the scorer walking with his group and his vision suddenly went blurry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The remark startled Penelope out of her reverie, for “Penny” is what Miss Mortimer always called her, and no one else ever did.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood