Startle and Spook

Similar meaning words

Startle verb - To move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise).

Usage example: the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

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Spook is a synonym for startle in frighten topic. In some cases you can use "Spook" instead the word "Startle" as a verb or a noun.

Nearby Words: startling, startled, startler

Spook verb - To strike with fear.

Usage example: the sudden noise spooked her out of her skin

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Startle is a synonym for spook in frighten topic. You can use "Startle" instead a verb "Spook".

Nearby Words: spooky, spooked, spooking

Cite this Source

Spook and Startle. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/spook

Startle & Spook. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/spook>.

Spook or Startle. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/spook.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "startle" and "spook" have occurred on timeline