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
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
What emerged was a startling portrait of manipulated devotion that culminated in Jeffs' 2006 arrest by the FBI.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 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
Their spacecraft’s aluminum-alloy outer hull—this was startling to relearn—is only a few centimeters thick.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
What emerged was a startling portrait of manipulated devotion that culminated in Jeffs' 2006 arrest by the FBI.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 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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While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
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.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That resulted in gasoline prices alone jumping nearly 11% from the month prior.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The man is listed on the Douglas County Jail roster Wednesday on potential charges of property damage and bail jumping.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
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But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
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The series abruptly concluded with Lois' shocking pregnancy news and Malcolm just starting his freshman year at Harvard.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sebastian Berhalter played an arcing free kick to the center of the area and Laborda put away a leaping volley.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The last-place Giants, who came in with a major league-low five homers, just missed a potential third long ball when Taylor Ward made a leaping grab at the left-field wall to rob Harrison Bader in the eighth.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
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Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Not only were the tiara’s diamonds hewn into the 11 stones on Elizabeth II’s engagement ring, but they were also used to create the stunning wedding bracelet Philip gave his bride-to-be ahead of their ceremony.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fonseca also had goalkeeper Dominik Greif to thank for a stunning point-blank save against striker Bamba Dieng in first-half stoppage time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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