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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startling
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
While such startling predictions were being voiced on stage, my gaze was drawn to the audience.
—
Benjamin Skuse,
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 2026
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
Adjective
Some of the recent statistics on digital isolation and loneliness are startling.
—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
While such startling predictions were being voiced on stage, my gaze was drawn to the audience.
—
Benjamin Skuse,
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 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
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Against that backdrop, some say the ships are offering a surprising sense of connection.
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In many ways, the strong turnout for the World Cup isn't all that surprising.
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.
Verb
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One of my earliest moviegoing memories is nearly jumping out of my seat at the sight of Doctor Octopus.
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Wednesday, a witness called 911 to report somebody jumping off the bridge, Knox said.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Adjective
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The 29-year-old began her comeback Saturday at the American Classic in Champlin, Minnesota, just days after announcing her shocking return to the sport.
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Cape Verde earned three draws in the group stage – the shocking Spain result, running with Uruguay in the second match and ending up in a scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston on Friday.
Verb
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Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.
Verb
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Padres left fielder Jase Bowen retreated to the ivy and made a leaping catch.
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Bowen tried to make a leaping catch, but was unable to haul it in.
Verb
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Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and also terrifying with a 4-year-old along.
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Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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