startle

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.

His lyrics also startle the way poems do.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

But when she sees another dog, everything changes: she snarls, barks loud enough to startle a city block, and lunges with so much force it takes all my strength to hold her back.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2025

While her decision to stand down as an MSP was obvious and much anticipated, it still has the capacity to startle.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

In the documentary, we see Lopez share Affleck’s love letters with her musicians to inspire them — something that seemed to startle him.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Every tiny noise made her startle, pitchfork in hand.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack