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
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Recent Examples of startling
Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Social media dismantled that world with startling speed.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 May 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
The novel moves in mysterious ways, often shocking, sometimes even downright startling.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Social media dismantled that world with startling speed.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 May 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
-
Most of his wines are more surprising or lesser known varietals, so a really fun place to just go and explore.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2026
-
For the 2026 list, a few states also had some surprising changes.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
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
Verb
-
The feeling of jumping into the spring all sweaty and sore was magnificent.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, Dell Technologies was right behind, jumping 31% after reporting its strongest sales growth since 2018.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
But, following a string of disappointing national-team performances, including failing to qualify for the 1958 World Cup and shocking losses to both the Soviet Union and North Korea at the 1966 edition, the league reinstated the ban.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
-
Somebody Somewhere — a naturalistic, moving three-season performance that culminated in a shocking Emmy win for best supporting actor last year.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Most people saw Erivo as a hero, leaping in to save a friend with no thought to her own safety.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
27 May 2026
-
The film’s memorable bike chase and bathtub are blessedly intact, as is the iconic sequence of Michael and the vamps leaping from a bridge to avoid an oncoming train.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and also terrifying with a 4-year-old along.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
-
Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The bathroom was stunning—all white and glass—and as high tech as the bedroom, with a state-of-the-art toilet and electronic bidet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Since then, Irby has continued to spotlight some of the sport’s most stunning plays and impressive stars, including former Arkansas slugger and current AUSL player Bri Ellis, while also engaging with players from stalwart programs in the comments.—
Molly Keshin,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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