Synonyms of startling

startling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstärt-liŋ 

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

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing
• wonderful
• unexpected
• astounding
• incredible
• breathtaking
• jolting
• stupefying
• jarring
• awesome
• jaw-dropping
• miraculous
• flabbergasting
• dumbfounding
• staggering
• eye-opening
• extraordinary
• unusual
• spectacular
• remarkable
• awful
• blindsiding
• impressive
• wondrous
• unanticipated
• stupendous
• unforeseen
• perplexing
• disconcerting
• uncommon
• dismaying
• sublime
• marvelous
• confusing
• unlikely
• unbelievable
• portentous
• confounding
• upsetting
• striking
• sensational
• noticeable
• prodigious
• unimaginable
• inconceivable
• unthinkable
• incomprehensible
• rare
• phenomenal
• unannounced
• discomfiting
• bewildering
• outstanding
• notable
• heart-stopping
• conspicuous
• unwonted
• befuddling
• fabulous
• unique
• nonplussing
• flustering
• muddling
• singular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsurprising
• common
• ordinary
• normal
• usual
• typical
• customary
• mundane
• unremarkable
• unexceptional

startling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of startle

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

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing
• astounding
• rocking
• stupefying
• flabbergasting
• dumbfounding
• bewildering
• perplexing
• disconcerting
• taking by surprise
• bowling over
• jarring
• confusing
• thunderstriking
• befuddling
• taking aback
• dismaying
• discomfiting
• blindsiding
• flooring
• blowing away
• dazing
• confounding
• muddling
• shaking up
• nonplussing
• knocking for a loop

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

• jumping
• leaping
• cringing
• wincing
• flinching
• bolting
• starting
• twitching
• jerking
• jolting
• reacting
• recoiling
• springing
• shrinking
• responding
• bounding
• spooking
• blenching
• quailing
• squinching

3

as in frightening

to strike with fear

loud noises always startle her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frightening
• terrifying
• scaring
• shocking
• horrifying
• alarming
• spooking
• shaking
• scarifying
• panicking
• terrorizing
• appalling
• amazing
• frighting
• affrighting
• astounding
• worrying
• dismaying
• jolting
• distracting
• disturbing
• giving one the creeps
• unsettling
• making one's flesh creep
• disquieting
• disconcerting
• unnerving
• daunting
• distressing
• shaking up
• awing
• dispiriting
• upsetting
• bowling over
• discomforting
• perturbing
• emasculating
• chilling
• demoralizing
• psyching (out)
• undoing
• flooring
• discomposing
• unmanning
• unstringing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• comforting
• assuring
• soothing
• cheering
• consoling
• encouraging
• inspiring
• solacing
• heartening
• emboldening
• steeling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of startling

Adjective

The two women governed as allies through much of Bass’s first term, making Raman’s decision to challenge the incumbent all the more startling. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

There is a startling variety in this recruitment — and also a startling amount of money spent. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Verb

Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026