easy
The cat was startled by the falling book.
What does Startled mean?
Startled means suddenly surprised or frightened for a moment.
Dictionary definition
Suddenly surprised or frightened for a moment.
Example sentences
Startled in a sentence
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice startled in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Startled
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does startled mean?
Startled means suddenly surprised or frightened for a moment.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to startled?
Surprised is close in meaning to startled in this context.
Practice 3
Which sentence best shows the meaning of startled?
This sentence gives clues that show the meaning of startled.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Startled
Voice settings
Sounds like
star · tuld · strongest beat: star
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordStartled.
Partadjective.
MeaningStartled means suddenly surprised or frightened for a moment.
ExampleExample: The cat was startled by the falling book.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- star · tuld
- Strongest beat
- star
- Ending
- tuld
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on star.
Your turn
Say Startled
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Synonyms
Words like Startled
surprisedUse when something unexpected happens suddenly.
Antonyms
Opposite words
calmUse when someone is peaceful and steady.
Synonym practice
Want to practice startled synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The sudden bell made the cat startled," then compare close word choices. Practice startled synonyms.
Word family
Startled word family
Base word
startle
adjective
startling
Sudden and surprising.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Startled
Hint for students
Look for clues that show a sudden sound, movement, or surprise.
Common mix-up
Startled is usually quick and sudden; it may not last long.
Try it in class or at home
Read the model sentence and underline the clue words that show the feeling or trait. Then write a new sentence that shows startled without using the word startled.
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The cat was startled by the falling book." What clues show what startled means?
Word category
Explore more feelings words
This word is part of WordHive's feelings words collection. Browse more emotion words, compare close meanings, and practice using them in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Startled and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice STARTLED” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice STARTLED
Sentence Builder
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Synonym Search
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