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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startling
Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
Qatar has fewer air defenses than its larger neighbors, and its energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, made the startling claim today that all Gulf oil and gas producers could be forced to stop production within days.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
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
In a startling new op-ed in the New York Times, actress and philanthropist Daryl Hannah takes the FX series to task for its inaccurate portrayal of her.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
Qatar has fewer air defenses than its larger neighbors, and its energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, made the startling claim today that all Gulf oil and gas producers could be forced to stop production within days.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
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
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On the surface, however, what appears to be most surprising is the apparent lack of parachutes for the crew.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
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In other sports news, Team USA had a surprising loss to Italy at the World Baseball Classic, as did the Illini in the Big Ten Tournament, while the Bears re-signed several players and lost others to free agency.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In some ways, the Mets are jumping off the deep end in hiring Willard.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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Manz claimed in court documents his smart watch recorded his heart rate jumping from 80 beats per minute to 95 per minute after eating the tacos with hot and spicy salsa.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Given how well Queta has played this season, that at-the-rim scoring binge was impressive, but not shocking.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
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Pasquantino piloted his team to the biggest win in Italian baseball history inside the same ballpark with their shocking 8-6 victory over Team USA on Tuesday.—
Maria Torres,
New York Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the second half, Smith had a handful of incredible saves to keep the score at 2-1, including leaping up to snare a crossing pass and stopping two shots on breakaways.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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Most fish in Moynaq’s bazaar—centered around a fountain of golden carp leaping from a dried-up well—now come from farms.—
Michael Snyder,
Saveur,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
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Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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All the better to see the stunning red lips that perfectly match her dress.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
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Her expressive brush strokes and attention to personal detail create works that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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