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.

He gleefully brought the startled players together with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, an uptown salsa and jazz band, for concerts at Lincoln Center and Washington Heights.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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

The man’s voice startled Penelope, and she found herself slipping the guidebook out of sight beneath her cloak.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood