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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of startling
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 Nov. 2025
Diebel also ruled out a startling revelation from the doctor’s past that emerged after his death.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
The most startling feature is a double-height lounge with a view up to display cases on the second floor.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 Nov. 2025
Diebel also ruled out a startling revelation from the doctor’s past that emerged after his death.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
In a follow-up video, the owner revealed a gentle method for waking the puppy without startling her.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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There was a top 10 team that lost, but BYU was a 10-point underdog at Texas Tech, so the Red Raiders’ convincing win wasn’t technically all that surprising.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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Instead, my friend and I were greeted by a mostly calm experience, which was surprising for a Friday night in South End.—
Evan Moore
November 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The enduring moment of the game is probably the deep touchdown pass between Shough and Chris Olave — the one that saw Olave shrugging off cornerback Jaycee Horn and then scampering into the end zone, then jumping into a Panthers field-side fan section.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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In one impressive video, the teenager could be seen jumping over a large hill on her bike before zooming around a corner.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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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
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Antetokounmpo delivered one of the most amazing closeout performances of all-time.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
-
And the reach of Prime Video, especially globally, is really, really amazing.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Technology glitches, shocking headlines and erratic behavior aren’t unusual under this type of transit, so keep your eyes peeled.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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Is there a way for the film to hold an audience member through the violence instead of shocking them with it, and to meet them on the other side with an open heart?—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The clip, posted to TikTok on November 1 by the canine's owner under @theweeniebrosdr, shows the black and tan shorthair dachshund, named Dior, leaping onto a toilet seat at his Florida home, and appearing to urinate directly into the bowl.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
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Roberts’ leaping grab on the side of the end zone on second-and-goal to capped a 76-yard drive and a perfect first half of passing by Trujillo.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That should already be terrifying enough, regardless of what happens next.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Through twisting corridors and multiple stories, guests encounter terrifying live actors, special effects, and nightmarish monsters.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Republican finger-pointing has begun in the wake of Democrats’ stunning success in Tuesday night’s elections.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
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Last summer, following Mamdani’s stunning primary victory, many friends and colleagues were anxious that this Democratic candidate was too liberal, too anti-business, too inexperienced for the global stage, and simply too young.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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