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
Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
In a league where offenses are pressing every button and defenses are countering that with even quicker evolution, hiring the guy who taught a once-great scheme everyone figured out how to beat 10 years ago shows a startling lack of creativity and confidence from the 49ers’ brass.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 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
Lee, working with a script by Alan Fox, spins out the multiple threads of action with startling swiftness and characteristically rapid-fire, confrontational dialogue.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
In a league where offenses are pressing every button and defenses are countering that with even quicker evolution, hiring the guy who taught a once-great scheme everyone figured out how to beat 10 years ago shows a startling lack of creativity and confidence from the 49ers’ brass.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 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
-
General Daily Insight for January 31, 2026 Minor adjustments can bring surprising ease and clarity.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
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The surprising twist was the slew of cancellations in — among other places — South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 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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Oil prices slipped after jumping more than 3% on Thursday due to worries about tensions between the United States and Iran, which could ultimately constrict the flow of crude.—
Matt Ott,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
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While the changes have the chance to level the playing field early in the season, one team appears to be jumping ahead of the field out of the shakedown sessions.—
Maury Brown,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 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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As buried family secrets and small-town lies emerge, Courtney must decide who to trust before a shocking revelation changes everything.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
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Louisiana State Police announced on Saturday the capture of all eight inmates who escaped early Friday in a shocking East Carroll Parish jailbreak.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Brave the wait, and you’ll be greeted by the scent of simmering garlic, Giants decor, and taxidermied marlin leaping off the walls.—
Becky Duffett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Silver carp, in particular, are infamous for leaping out of the water when startled by boat motors, sometimes striking boaters.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That’s terrifying on a whole different level.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
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At another level, there does seem to be something absurd and even terrifying about the idea that someone who is not elected can become the leader of a country and then will be recognized as the leader of that country and receive the immunities afforded to heads of state.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Renowned for its chocolate, fresh Alpine air, and stunning natural beauty, Switzerland simply does things well—but at a cost.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
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Seven minutes later, the Jets (22-25-7) were ahead for good, stunning the Panthers and upping the stakes of what was already a crucial final pre-Olympics week for Florida.—
Adam Beasley,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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