startling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstärt-liŋ How to pronounce startling (audio)
Definition of startlingnext
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
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
Adjective
The magazine published several letters from readers noting a startling resemblance between 9-year-old Charles, Prince of Wales, and Neuman. — John Ficarra, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 Adventure has a habit of turning strangers into friends with startling speed. — Chloe Frost-Smith, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
Cortlandt Koerwitz/Instagram A family's Fourth of July outing took a frightening turn when a bear charged at a father outside his Lake Tahoe vacation home after startling his daughters. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 9 July 2026 Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
  1. surprising
  2. amazing
  3. jumping
  4. frightening
  5. shocking
  6. stunning
  7. leaping
  8. terrifying
Adjective
  • The sommelier was knowledgeable and provided us with pairings that spanned traditional offerings like cheeses, as well as some surprising additions like home fries and oxtail.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The combination of our three creative personas is surprising.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of surprising
Verb
  • 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.
    — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2026
Definition of amazing
Verb
  • Greene started his career as part of team that launched news on KCST (Channel 39) in San Diego, before jumping to crosstown rival KGTV.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Shortly before the shooting, Kansas City police responded to the area on reports of a person causing a disturbance and jumping into the street, the highway patrol said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of jumping
Verb
  • For Cox and Walker, the challenge was to introduce horror-film conventions without frightening the franchise’s youngest viewers.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • Democrats notched several shocking flips in seats President Donald won by double digits in 2024, meaning those districts will be some of the toughest to defend in a more even election cycle.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats felt optimistic about taking the majority earlier in the night than some had expected after the shocking win in South Carolina.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 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
  • Jorgenson seems to enjoy leaping from one difficult task to another.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Minoan frescoes and artifacts depict bull-leaping women, the snake goddess (associated with power, fertility, and the cycle of life), and the midwife goddess Eileithyia.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of leaping
Verb
  • The simple act of a child pedaling down empty hotel hallways on a Big Wheel builds anticipation, terrifying us with what may be around each corner.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Now a ruthless Emperor, Paul must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks in every shadow.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrifying

Browse Nearby Words

startles
startling
starts
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Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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