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
Relevance
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
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
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
The report, from the Japanese publication Best Car Web, makes a number of startling claims, starting with the Supra, which will allegedly come back with over 500 horsepower.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
In his startling, sudden rise from making his pro debut at the High-A level in April, to his big league debut last week, Tolle has thrown 97 innings across 19 starts and one relief appearance in 2025.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
With a pop, the pumping compressor wakes with startling strength.
—Steven Searcy, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Brief, startling moments of illumination are everywhere in its stories; so are all kinds of optical illusions and distortions.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
The report, from the Japanese publication Best Car Web, makes a number of startling claims, starting with the Supra, which will allegedly come back with over 500 horsepower.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
In his startling, sudden rise from making his pro debut at the High-A level in April, to his big league debut last week, Tolle has thrown 97 innings across 19 starts and one relief appearance in 2025.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
With a pop, the pumping compressor wakes with startling strength.
—Steven Searcy, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
-
According to Joy Gelbman, MD, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, these results aren’t necessarily surprising.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
-
After my long flight home, I was relieved that the late-night visitor turned out to be nothing more than city workers on the job (and their job in this case, while surprising, didn't turn out to be too destructive).—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The performance had the crowd jumping thanks to his enthusiastic delivery.—
Stacy Lambe,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Throughout the story there are hints of ways Leo’s police department colleagues are sending him into retirement, including a cop jumping out of a cake wearing only a thong.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This fall brings a mix of amazing films.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
-
That alone is amazing, said Timbrook, Depue and a representative for the soft body armor vest that stopped a bullet from piercing the officer’s chest.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The first season concludes with patriarch Horace Bellaire marrying Kimmie from his hospital bed, leaving her his inheritance and shocking his spoiled heirs.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The gruesome killing has quickly become a cause célèbre for the administration, who for months have been pointing to shocking crimes as proof that cities with Democratic leaders have allowed criminals to run amok.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Cameras captured a heartwarming scene of a father and son leaping into the air, screaming and hugging each other in disbelief and joy, as McIlroy's ball dropped into the cup.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The fugitive runs for it, crashing through clotheslines made of jump ropes, crashing on the floor several times, climbing the bike racks and leaping over the wall to his secret sanctuary.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On the same day, 100 cyclists, e-bike and dirt bike riders took over a Boston highway, terrifying local drivers.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The tonal whiplash you experience at that point, the sense that Barbarian can be genuinely terrifying one moment and weirdly funny the next, is what transformed the film into a cult hit.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The hybrid Amelanchier x grandiflora tends to be the most readily available at garden centers and certainly makes a stunning specimen.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Both celebrations provided that and more, including stunning outfit changes, ethereal decor, and a robot at the reception.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share