Synonyms of startling

startling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstärt-liŋ 

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

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing
• wonderful
• unexpected
• astounding
• incredible
• breathtaking
• jolting
• stupefying
• jarring
• awesome
• jaw-dropping
• miraculous
• flabbergasting
• dumbfounding
• staggering
• eye-opening
• extraordinary
• unusual
• spectacular
• remarkable
• awful
• blindsiding
• impressive
• wondrous
• unanticipated
• stupendous
• unforeseen
• perplexing
• disconcerting
• uncommon
• dismaying
• sublime
• marvelous
• confusing
• unlikely
• unbelievable
• portentous
• confounding
• upsetting
• striking
• sensational
• noticeable
• prodigious
• unimaginable
• inconceivable
• unthinkable
• incomprehensible
• rare
• phenomenal
• unannounced
• discomfiting
• bewildering
• outstanding
• notable
• heart-stopping
• conspicuous
• unwonted
• befuddling
• fabulous
• unique
• nonplussing
• flustering
• muddling
• singular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsurprising
• common
• ordinary
• normal
• usual
• typical
• customary
• mundane
• unremarkable
• unexceptional

startling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of startle

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

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing
• astounding
• rocking
• stupefying
• flabbergasting
• dumbfounding
• bewildering
• perplexing
• disconcerting
• taking by surprise
• bowling over
• jarring
• confusing
• thunderstriking
• befuddling
• taking aback
• dismaying
• discomfiting
• blindsiding
• flooring
• blowing away
• dazing
• confounding
• muddling
• shaking up
• nonplussing
• knocking for a loop

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

• jumping
• leaping
• cringing
• wincing
• flinching
• bolting
• starting
• twitching
• jerking
• jolting
• reacting
• recoiling
• springing
• shrinking
• responding
• bounding
• spooking
• blenching
• quailing
• squinching

3

as in frightening

to strike with fear

loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frightening
• terrifying
• scaring
• shocking
• horrifying
• alarming
• spooking
• shaking
• scarifying
• panicking
• terrorizing
• appalling
• amazing
• frighting
• affrighting
• astounding
• worrying
• dismaying
• jolting
• distracting
• disturbing
• giving one the creeps
• unsettling
• making one's flesh creep
• disquieting
• disconcerting
• unnerving
• daunting
• distressing
• shaking up
• awing
• dispiriting
• upsetting
• bowling over
• discomforting
• perturbing
• emasculating
• chilling
• demoralizing
• psyching (out)
• undoing
• flooring
• discomposing
• unmanning
• unstringing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• comforting
• assuring
• soothing
• cheering
• consoling
• encouraging
• inspiring
• solacing
• heartening
• emboldening
• steeling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of startling

Adjective

In Mike Nichols’ 1967 comedy of disaffection, Hoffman originated the role that Rhys played onstage, so the snub was startling. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Residents of a Newark, New Jersey, apartment complex got a startling wakeup call Sunday morning when police in tactical gear, responding to reports of multiple people shot, stormed their building. — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 10 Aug. 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