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
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
The clip, shared by user @itsriiriii on October 14, has amassed more than 2 million views, drawing widespread attention for its startling display of how quickly Arizona’s monsoon storms can intensify.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Studies comparing astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year aboard the ISS, to his twin brother Mark on Earth revealed startling differences.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
The clip, shared by user @itsriiriii on October 14, has amassed more than 2 million views, drawing widespread attention for its startling display of how quickly Arizona’s monsoon storms can intensify.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 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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What’s more surprising is that a tiny amount of activity could have a noticeable effect, according to a study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that included more than 13,000 women with an average age of 72.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
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The impact on their relationship hasn’t been dramatic, but the emotional response from strangers has been surprising.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That prompted Ullmark to leave his crease and toss away the blocker from his right hand before jumping into the scrum.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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Police say there have been a handful of incidents over the years involving people jumping into the ditch where the man was found, which is open at street level.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 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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Dan Aykroyd's amazing cameo as the iconic Ray Stantz from Ghostbusters is a treat to watch.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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This isn’t the first time a homeowner has shared an amazing discovery during a renovation.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This interview also comes just weeks after her shocking Dancing With the Stars elimination.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
16 Oct. 2025
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His nearly $50 million buyout is the second richest in college football history, shocking not just for the price but also because of the team’s recent success.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Early in the second quarter, Lam threw a touchdown pass to Kayla Burmood who made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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Whiteside had a pass break-up late that may have been a touchdown, and followed it up with another leaping pass break-up in the left corner of the end zone against star Bucs rookie Emeka Egbuka.—
Nick Meyer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The game is twisted, disturbing, and terrifying in all the right ways.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
23 Sep. 2025
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On the same day, 100 cyclists, e-bike and dirt bike riders took over a Boston highway, terrifying local drivers.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Michele Di Gregorio made a stunning double save and was only beaten when a Vinicius Junior shot came back off the post and Jude Bellingham reacted quicker to it than Lloyd Kelly.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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The network’s newest house hunting series, the 12-episode World’s Bargain Dream Homes (wt) from Twenty Twenty Television, will follow people brave enough to purchase the world’s most affordable properties that also happen to be stunning, turnkey and in desirable locations around the globe.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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