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
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Recent Examples of startling
David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
These trials are by judge, not jury, and defendants wear street clothing of a startling informality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 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
Three bears at Northstar California Resort in Truckee ran beneath a ski lift and across a slope, startling skiers and riders making their way down the run.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
These trials are by judge, not jury, and defendants wear street clothing of a startling informality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 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
-
By now, the unlikely should not be surprising for the Stars.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The more surprising turns came a few days ago.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Pups lick clean their pup cups Video above, shared by Saraceno, showed the pups excitedly digging into their cups and jumping up with joy.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
No wonder Rob felt like jumping.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 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
-
Both teamed up with Mike Curtis, Brad Townsend and Shawn McFarland for top 10 in event coverage, the aftermath of Luka Doncic’s shocking trade from the Mavs to the Lakers.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Coviello, a junior guard, recorded the first of his five assists on a 3-pointer by Kelly that started a shocking 15-0 run in the first quarter.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The most dangerous look in regulation for either team came in the 56th minute, when UC’s Hayden Goldstein nearly snuck a free kick from 36 yards out underneath the top crossbar before it was stopped by a leaping Williams.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Cabinet members joined Republicans in leaping to their feet to cheer.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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One 27-year-old Tehran resident said a strike fell a few hundred yards away from her house, terrifying her with the explosion.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Like the strung-up coyotes, the Ghoul typically looks normal from afar but terrifying up close.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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At The Boca Raton Beach Club Plan your stay so that your home base is The Boca Raton Beach Club, which, as the name suggests, offers half a mile of beach and a stunning pool that isn't to be missed!—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
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The beauty and flavors of her creation are stunning.—
Angela Hansberger,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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