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
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Recent Examples of startling
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Some of the information in those records has been startling.
—Charles Ford Champion, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025
Now a 23-year-old rookie in the WNBA, the financial transition was startling; five years ago, Bueckers didn’t even have a bank account.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill faced startling accusations from his estranged wife Keeta Vaccaro amid their divorce proceedings in Florida court.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Robots that are startling or distracting, and that confuse or intimidate the average passerby, risk doing more harm than good.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Some of the information in those records has been startling.
—Charles Ford Champion, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025
Now a 23-year-old rookie in the WNBA, the financial transition was startling; five years ago, Bueckers didn’t even have a bank account.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill faced startling accusations from his estranged wife Keeta Vaccaro amid their divorce proceedings in Florida court.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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The position of elementary education among the least susceptible to poverty might be surprising, but elementary school teachers are scarce and in demand.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The stars are out at New York Fashion Week – including some surprising additions to the front row.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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EDTIn a press conference, authorities shared security camera footage of the gunman running across a roof and jumping down from a building before leaving the Utah Valley University campus.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The footage showed the person running across the roof of one of the university’s buildings, before jumping down and escaping the scene.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 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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Malleable and with a matte finish, when worked through the hair, this white paste keeps flyaways at bay, musses up the ends of short cuts, and sculpts amazing second-day texture.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Those guys just haulin' butt around on there will be pretty amazing to see.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The first season concludes with patriarch Horace Bellaire marrying Kimmie from his hospital bed, leaving her his inheritance and shocking his spoiled heirs.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The gruesome killing has quickly become a cause célèbre for the administration, who for months have been pointing to shocking crimes as proof that cities with Democratic leaders have allowed criminals to run amok.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Cheda shared the hilarious footage on TikTok on August 27, showing the 7-month-old puppy leaping on the couch, running from room to room, and even jumping onto her sisters.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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Steven Kwan made a leaping catch at the wall on Sunday.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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The tonal whiplash you experience at that point, the sense that Barbarian can be genuinely terrifying one moment and weirdly funny the next, is what transformed the film into a cult hit.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As well as capturing a stunning shot of the Milky Way.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The same day, the company announced a stunning reversal, shutting down the rebrand and retaining its original branding.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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