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
Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The startling example of this recently occurred in Minnesota.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Saturday, startling his sister.
—Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
For Sunderland — newly promoted into the Premier League — to land a player of such calibre, a striker Manchester United had wanted to sign just three years before, was startling.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The startling example of this recently occurred in Minnesota.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Saturday, startling his sister.
—Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
-
Lunar rocks and soil offered novel insights into the moon’s origin and composition, and more recent analysis of previously untouched Apollo samples, as well as samples retrieved by robotic missions, revealed the surprising discovery of water trapped in rocks thought to be bone-dry.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The daytime-only pool menu offers its own cocktail list (the spicy marg was a surprising standout), and a super-casual food menu with options like fish tacos, a wagyu burger, and chicken tenders.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 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
-
Howie will also need a family that understands his physical restrictions including keeping him at a lean weight, no strenuous activity, running up and down stairs or jumping up and down to limit further damage to his joints.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Saros also made several more big stops before MacKinnon tucked the puck in short side with Macklin Celebrini setting a screen by jumping.—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
While Dunk emerged victorious in the trial, the battle was not without bloodshed and deaths, including a shocking one no one saw coming.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Saturday’s loss was neither KU’s biggest home loss, nor the most shocking, of the Self era.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But as the hype around the impending World Cup has risen month-by-month, so has the number — to 4,095 in November, leaping to 4,248 active listings in December.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The most fascinating part of Chaharshanbe Suri is the practice of jumping over bonfires—a ritual that involves a chant while leaping over flames to ask the fire to take away woes and offer good health and energy in its place.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Like the strung-up coyotes, the Ghoul typically looks normal from afar but terrifying up close.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
-
That’s terrifying on a whole different level.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sunday’s victory for Team USA was nothing short of stunning given how Canada seemed to significantly outplay the Americans for most of the medal game.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The balcony rooms offer stunning, sweeping views of the red roofed city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
