STARTLING Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

startling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstärt-liŋ

Definition of startling

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

startling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of startle

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

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

as in frightening

to strike with fear loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of startling

Adjective

And yet the actors have an almost startling lack of connection because every line they’re tasked with reading plays as if from a mouthpiece trying to force someone else’s words out, awkwardly and clunkily. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 Her startling novel guides us through the Stettheimer sisters’ fabulous world and the interior spaces of a troubled woman’s mind. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for startling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling

Adjective

Unexpected jewelry — bold, unconventional pieces that add a surprising twist and personality to any look.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
But going back to that opening paragraph, Bodega lives up to its namesake by offering surprising variety.

— Brendan Hay, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprising

Verb

We were all riveted by the image of a glass of red wine undisturbed by a woman jumping next to it on the bed and the idea of sleeping on memory foam originally developed by NASA, now available to us.

— Jaklin Romine Oct. 15, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Shares are jumping Thursday as part of the market’s rotation into defensive names.

— Alexa LoMonaco,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of jumping

Verb

Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.

— Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

The series is notorious for its shocking plot twists (many of which bring dramatic, fatal ends to important characters).

— Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2026
Bajaria is said to have attended the town hall that Head of Scripted, UCAN Jinny Howe held Wednesday afternoon amid the layoffs, making her exit today feel abrupt and shocking to staffers.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shocking

Verb

Footage of the fight shared online showed Williams punching Colón in the back of the head in the seventh round, apparently stunning him.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Definition of stunning

Verb

After Mesa's homer gave the Rays a 4-2 lead, Anthony Volpe appeared to hit a two-run shot against Griffin Jax with two outs in the bottom half as a fan reached over the left-field wall and caught the ball over the glove of a leaping Mesa.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
The father, throwing his children out of the window of their burning home, leaping out after them and taking the lead bullets with his own body.

— Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of leaping

Verb

Though privacy concerns around these agents’ access may be terrifying in their own right, for now the utopian vision seems to be winning.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Still, Douglas is unflinching in the book about how physically abusive and terrifying his dad was to him and his brother.

— Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Browse Nearby Words

startles

startling

starts

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Style

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of startling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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