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
Relevance
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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of startling
Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
From the 19th century to World War I, the White House grounds had been accessible to a degree that can seem startling today.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Despite the startling dashcam footage from the accident, the driver did not sustain any serious injuries.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
From the 19th century to World War I, the White House grounds had been accessible to a degree that can seem startling today.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 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
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Joy has surprising traction today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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Miami’s past holds surprising stories of ambition and reinvention, from a Bulgarian artist wrapping islands in pink fabric to a failed bid to become the film capital of the world.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
9 May 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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The Crusaders wasted no time jumping ahead, scoring two runs in the first inning without a hit.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Relive your days of jumping off rope swings amid stands of cypress trees in Texas Hill Country, or simply enjoy a refreshing dip after a hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains.—
Talia Avakian,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 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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But early polls have showed Schlossberg parlaying his Kennedy aura, name recognition and attention-grabbing social media chops into a shocking lead, with Bores also in the mix.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
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Six permanent outdoor works are dotted around the property, including a large rocket by Polish artist Goshka Macuga and a shocking pink tree, commissioned specifically for the island, by Pamela Rosenkranz.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The concept — a tech company leaping out from your screen and into a mall so users can try things in person and get help — isn’t new.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
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The two-time Mirrorball winner was seen leaping high into the air and showed off her skills by performing a series of tricks including frontflips and backflips.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won, the film follows a road-view camera crew that encounters terrifying supernatural events at a remote reservoir.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Australians won their second straight SailGP event, although the Bermuda success was not quite as dominant as their stunning four-wins-in-a-day Sunday in Rio de Janeiro last month.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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The property has a beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.—
Kimberley Mok,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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