The door creaked loudly, startling the cat.

Meaning: The door made a loud noise when it opened, which surprised the cat.

Choice of Words: Creaked is a verb that describes the sound of something old and rusty moving. Loudly is an adverb that describes the volume of the sound. Startled is a verb that means to cause someone to suddenly feel shock or surprise.

Alternative Expressions

Related Expressions

• The door swung open, startling the sleeping dog.
• The door slammed shut, startling everyone in the room.
• The dog barked loudly, startling the cat.
• The dog barked loudly, startling the sleeping cat.
• The dog barked loudly, startling the cat on the windowsill.
• The thunder clapped loudly, startling the birds in the trees.
• The alarm clock blared loudly, startling her awake.
• The majestic lion roared loudly, startling the nearby animals.
• The thunder roared loudly, startling the birds.
• The lion roared loudly, startling the animals nearby.