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.

Startled young women, hands in the air, staggered out of darkened rooms.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Startled from their reverie, flurries of native hens - which piyura kitina is named after - scatter over the mossy grass as we arrive.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2024

Startled, instead of pulling away, “they're actually… panicking and rolling into it,” says Asmutis-Silvia.

From National Geographic • Jan. 25, 2024

“We were pretty startled. Startled and scared to death,” Schab, now 103, said at his home in Beaverton, Oregon, where he lives with his daughter.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Startled, she turned and saw Doon racing toward her.

From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau