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
Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
The sequence of events is startling.
—David French, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Since 2010 the Zhongshuge chain has opened some twenty branches in China, in places like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu (also startling in design).
—Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
The sequence of events is startling.
—David French, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 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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There’s a surprising shortage of teams with truly high-end blue lines.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Data shows a surprising and significant drop in book challenges from the 2023-2024 school year to the 2024-2025 term after years of increases in bans among classrooms and libraries.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Reuters reported that membership in the GenZ 212, which derived its name from Morocco’s area code, has soared in recent days—jumping from 3,000 last week to 130,000 on Thursday.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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In fact, Apple’s stock was our top performer in the third fiscal quarter, jumping more than 24% in three months that ended Tuesday.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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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Shackleton may have made a mistake in the outdoors, and the amazing story of his getting back on track entertained millions of people for a century afterward.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
7 Oct. 2025
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The flocking is amazing, not too heavy yet sturdy.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The legacy trade preference program lapsed Tuesday without a renewal from Congress, shocking some and disappointing many, including lawmakers, importers and the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) exporters and heads of state who have been lobbying with mounting fervor for an extension.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Sep. 2025
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Two months after catastrophic flooding killed 27 girls and counselors at Camp Mystic, the famed Texas camp plans to reopen – shocking some family members who still don’t know where their loved one is.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Later in the segment, the Las Culturistas host went as far as leaping over the desk so that Dobby could punish himself once again by banging his head against the camera.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
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The Norwegian striker first looped the ball over the keeper to give City the lead before later leaping highest to power home for his second after Monaco had equalised through a brilliant Jordan Teze finish.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The game is twisted, disturbing, and terrifying in all the right ways.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
23 Sep. 2025
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On the same day, 100 cyclists, e-bike and dirt bike riders took over a Boston highway, terrifying local drivers.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But the leader whose imprint set the DNA for Intel’s corporate culture, and that of early Silicon Valley writ large, was Andy Grove, one of the company’s first employees, who became Intel’s third CEO in 1987 and oversaw stunning growth at the company.—
Lila MacLellan,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
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Amal appeared alongside her husband on the red carpet in a stunning red velvet Oscar de la Renta mini-dress decked out in floral embellishments.—
Amy McCarthy,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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