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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startling
Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Giroux and Lish have startling minds and styles that leap off the page; Cowley, not so much.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
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
But Mobasseri infuses Vahid with decency that overcomes a thirst for revenge, and in the end, his fear is a startling reminder to not yield to oppression.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Giroux and Lish have startling minds and styles that leap off the page; Cowley, not so much.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
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
-
Jones has said the most surprising moment of the season was the 44-30 loss at Detroit that ended the winning streak and sent the Cowboys tumbling to a 1-4 finish.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Another surprising element of Zubimendi’s game has been his aerial prowess, despite standing at 5ft 11in (180cm).—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If jumping to conclusions were an Olympic sport, these premature commentators who sought to create a narrative would receive gold medals.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
-
However, 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks read the play perfectly, jumping the route and knocking it incomplete with 43 seconds left to seal victory for San Francisco.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
-
What an amazing group of women to journey through this mom-hood together!—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Fresh talks can spark amazing progress.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This year, Johnny Curiel is leaping into the tasting-menu stratosphere with Maize, a 16-seat space that’s an ode to his Mexican heritage.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
11 Jan. 2026
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That’s shorthand for Pass Breakup, and Nacua executed that beautifully on a soft, high pass from Matthew Stafford that sailed over Nacua’s head and into the hands of leaping Panthers safety Nick Scott, who was falling back into the end zone.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s terrifying on a whole different level.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
-
At another level, there does seem to be something absurd and even terrifying about the idea that someone who is not elected can become the leader of a country and then will be recognized as the leader of that country and receive the immunities afforded to heads of state.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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