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
Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 June 2025
What’s new and startling is the revelation that the Bar gave her a free pass by rejecting two previous complaints.
—The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass made a startling claim.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The political center has shifted Rubenstein’s way with startling speed over the past 18 months.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
One expert vehicle reviewer learned first-hand that these features could lead to startling driving experiences.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 June 2025
What’s new and startling is the revelation that the Bar gave her a free pass by rejecting two previous complaints.
—The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass made a startling claim.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The political center has shifted Rubenstein’s way with startling speed over the past 18 months.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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This was a surprising finding that revealed that a sense of belonging — something HR traditionally considered unmeasurable — was actually one of the strongest precursors of retention.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
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However, digging deeper reveals a surprising insight.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
30 June 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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And equally amazing is the fact that the brooch or pin that Duguid wears in it on his coat survives and [was previously] displayed next to the painting.—
Karin Wulf,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
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Looking for an amazing place to celebrate the Fourth of July?—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
1 July 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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Bayern Munich have won the Champions League on six separate occasions while PSG finally got over the line this season with a stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan that could mark the beginning of an era of dominance for the French giants.—
Darren Richman,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
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The broad market index made a stunning turnaround from its April lows to end June with a second-quarter gain of nearly 11%.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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