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.

Even so, I was startled to see the film end with the onscreen words, “His story continues.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The man "looked as startled as I was" and quickly left.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

American tourist Anna Durmont, a 37-year-old art historian, told AFP she was walking towards the pyramid when she was startled by the sight of emergency vehicles and police.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 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

I was so startled by this I stood up.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls