Be startled
Flinch and be startled are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Flinch" instead a verb phrase "Be startled".
Flinch
Flinch verb - To draw back in fear, pain, or disgust.
Be startled and flinch are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Be startled" instead a verb "Flinch".
Nearby Word: flinching
Cite this Source
Flinch and Be startled. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 02, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_startled/flinch
Be startled & Flinch. N.p., 2016. Web. 02 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_startled/flinch>.
Flinch or Be startled. 2016. Accessed August 02, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_startled/flinch.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "be startled" and "flinch" have occurred on timeline