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

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

Harper, is new to you, prepare to be startled by how ridiculous it is.

From Slate • Dec. 7, 2022

Thunderstorm outside the window, that’s why she’s awake, they can hear, they sleep, they can be startled, even there in the soothing of the heart, like waves on the shore around them.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood