Be surprised
Startle and be surprised are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Startle" instead a verb phrase "Be surprised".
Startle
Startle verb - To make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected.
Be surprised and startle are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Be surprised" instead a verb "Startle".
Cite this Source
Startle and Be surprised. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_surprised/startle
Be surprised & Startle. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_surprised/startle>.
Startle or Be surprised. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/be_surprised/startle.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "be surprised" and "startle" have occurred on timeline