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

While advocating for tougher social media regulation on a panel about disinformation, Janja Lula da Silva appeared to be startled by a loud noise, joking, "I think it's Elon Musk."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

A person with Tourette disorder might be startled by each separate sound, especially if it increases in volume.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

Yet in my role as publisher of The New York Times, I continue to be startled by the growing resistance to independent journalism.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

She went to bed sometime between eight and eight-thirty only to be startled awake later when a horse-and-wagon clattered past her window at high speed.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy