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
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
The Perfect Neighbor is among the most startling documentaries Netflix has released onto its platform in years.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
All these excellent, exacting details coexist well with each other to produce one of Lanthimos’s best films yet, a movie of startling ingenuity that also doubles as a humorous but pointed warning to us all.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
The Perfect Neighbor is among the most startling documentaries Netflix has released onto its platform in years.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 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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The birthing experience was a surprising, but happy ending to an easy pregnancy.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Considering this team has Flagg, and was hosting the champion Thunder, there was a surprising number of empties at the AAC.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 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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The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
28 Oct. 2025
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And being able to do that for a brand of my own would be so amazing — definitely my biggest goal.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The chase ended in shocking fashion when an off-duty officer in a Toyota Camry veered into the biker’s path, deliberately collided with him and sent him and his motorcycle soaring into the air.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
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The first comes in the show’s shocking cold open, in which a mother gives birth to a demonic baby that subsequently attacks an 11-year-old boy.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
27 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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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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So Fritz will just have to settle for 15 stunning makeup looks instead.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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With stunning celerity, possibility becomes probability and then certainty, as readers reject the quiet, circuitous, and unglamorous narratives of prudential compromise, ambiguous diplomacy, or incremental progress.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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