as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the startling news that my sister will be having a baby
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in jumping
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise)
the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightening
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of startling
ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
In that time span, the liberals made a startling 20-plus-point comeback in the polls, overtaking the conservatives as election day neared.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
It’s been a short, hectic campaign season, marked by startling reversals — most notably a massive decline in support for the current opposition Conservative Party — and ignited by the resignation of longtime Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
—Sean Collins, Vox, 28 Apr. 2025
This is all happening while people around the country experience unprecedented and unpredictable weather patterns — from alarming infernos in California to startling floods in North Carolina.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
The startling revelation is now frequently referenced whenever Kennedy says something outlandish, false, or offensive—which is often.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
In that time span, the liberals made a startling 20-plus-point comeback in the polls, overtaking the conservatives as election day neared.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
It’s been a short, hectic campaign season, marked by startling reversals — most notably a massive decline in support for the current opposition Conservative Party — and ignited by the resignation of longtime Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
—Sean Collins, Vox, 28 Apr. 2025
This is all happening while people around the country experience unprecedented and unpredictable weather patterns — from alarming infernos in California to startling floods in North Carolina.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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His comments came shortly after surprising fans with the announcement of their sixth child in 2023.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
13 May 2025
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If the ballroom dancing was unexpected, the evening’s entertainment in Clamecy was even more surprising.—
Rachel Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
Verb
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On Sunday, McIlroy blew up for a double bogey on the first hole before jumping out to a massive lead.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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By jumping to agentic, Amazon can make home assistants that are capable and conversational like ChatGPT but also have a framework for communicating and controlling external services, as Alexa and Siri can.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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A lot of amazing stories that have aired have come from a collaboration between us and Ellen, and that’s why she’s been a part of the show for so long.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Because of their tiny size, these monkeys are incredible jumpers, capable of leaping up to 16 feet.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2025
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The latter was dismissed by another leaping salmon catch by Glenn Phillips.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On March 15, 2024, a solar flare and an accompanying CME led to stunning auroras across the solar system, including on Mars.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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On Sunday night, Brennand will be the recipient of the Kering and Festival du Cannes 2025 Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award because of the stunning achievement that Manas is.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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