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.

The bear attacked the hiker after he apparently startled the animal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 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

Koch described being so conditioned by weightlessness that back on Earth she had dropped a shirt expecting it to float - and was startled when it fell.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Stanton, startled by her cry, and fearing that the president had died, rushed into the room and called out loudly, “Take that woman out and do not let her in again.”

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson