Start
Start verb - To move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise).
Usage example: I started from my chair when I heard the sudden scream
Startle is a synonym for start in activity topic. In some cases you can use "Startle" instead the word "Start" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like move, flinch, skip. popular alternative
Startle
Startle verb - To move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise).
Usage example: the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang
Start is a synonym for startle in move topic. You can use "Start" instead the word "Startle" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as skip, frighten. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Cite this Source
Startle and Start. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/start/startle
Start & Startle. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/start/startle>.
Startle or Start. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/start/startle.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "start" and "startle" have occurred on timeline