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
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Recent Examples of startling
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Such is the appeal of the new Chinese restaurant on 79th Street Causeway, a stylish but comfortable spot hidden within a modest property, with a startling culinary pedigree and a menu that may challenge your idea of what a neighborhood Chinese restaurant should be.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
The moment is startling because this was hardly Bernstein’s initial encounter with the esteemed Vienna Philharmonic.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
The New Orleans Saints were hit with some startling news on the health status of starting quarterback Derek Carr just two weeks prior to the NFL Draft.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
The remark represented a startling shift in tone, breaking from the more rigid doctrinal approach of his predecessors.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Such is the appeal of the new Chinese restaurant on 79th Street Causeway, a stylish but comfortable spot hidden within a modest property, with a startling culinary pedigree and a menu that may challenge your idea of what a neighborhood Chinese restaurant should be.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
The moment is startling because this was hardly Bernstein’s initial encounter with the esteemed Vienna Philharmonic.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
The New Orleans Saints were hit with some startling news on the health status of starting quarterback Derek Carr just two weeks prior to the NFL Draft.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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But the surprising mid-season decision to trade the Slovenian superstar coupled with a slew of key injuries, including to star guard Kyrie Irving, ultimately derailed any title aspirations Dallas might have had.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
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Cleaning professional Ryan Schutz of Two Maids and a Mop is sharing what a typical cleaning includes, as well as a few surprising areas a house cleaner probably won't clean.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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By jumping to agentic, Amazon can make home assistants that are capable and conversational like ChatGPT but also have a framework for communicating and controlling external services, as Alexa and Siri can.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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On Sunday, McIlroy blew up for a double bogey on the first hole before jumping out to a massive lead.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Because of their tiny size, these monkeys are incredible jumpers, capable of leaping up to 16 feet.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2025
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The latter was dismissed by another leaping salmon catch by Glenn Phillips.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Once she’s done blending, her full glam results are stunning yet intriguing, with a playful feminine hue.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
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Beautiful and stunning but very subtle at the same time.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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