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

But of the thousands of brands flooding the marketplace, consumers might be startled to see what appears to be LGBTQ+ slurs in the mix.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 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

The workers who knew him well were unsurprised, while the newer ones would often be startled, thinking his behavior a bizarre sort of motivational method.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers