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.

A presumption that there is an undercurrent of simmering rage in day-to-day life has taken hold in ways that might have startled past generations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

These discoveries, which would have startled most neurologists and neuroscientists a few decades ago, highlight the importance of recognizing this hidden conscious state and developing ways to communicate with people who are in it.

From Scientific American • Oct. 21, 2022

Six months ago, the noise might have startled Andriy, who had moved to Western Europe to pursue a career in engineering.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2022

The largest are more than 10 feet tall, and they’re profuse with Mediterranean color that must have startled the Russian beau monde at cocktail hour.

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2021

I jumped up from the couch, which must have startled Joe, because he dropped the rabbit ear antenna he was fiddling with.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez