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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startling
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Youngism, the set of stereotypes and practices that discount younger workers as unreliable, lazy and disloyal, has outpaced any other type of ageism — and the economic impacts are startling.
—Jennifer Moss, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Yes, it it unconventional and perhaps startling speech, but that’s the point.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025
These systems can test your personality with startling accuracy.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Among the most startling revelations was his experience filming 1977's The Sentinel, a horror movie directed by the late Michael Winner, which Sarandon says nearly drove him to quit acting altogether.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Youngism, the set of stereotypes and practices that discount younger workers as unreliable, lazy and disloyal, has outpaced any other type of ageism — and the economic impacts are startling.
—Jennifer Moss, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Yes, it it unconventional and perhaps startling speech, but that’s the point.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025
These systems can test your personality with startling accuracy.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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His return is not all that surprising, even with the losing record.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid’s latest tour de force is an absurdist, boldly surprising condemnation of his homeland.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Irishman nailed it and went berserk, running around the green and jumping into the arms of his caddie and anyone else who’d have him.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
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The trend, popularized by creator Kathryn Smith in a viral video, encourages viewers to start their day by hopping out of bed and jumping 50 times.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
28 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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This has been my go-to spot for years, and the owners are amazing people.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
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That stuff is so random, and there’s so many amazing bands that no one ever listens to.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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The Live With Kelly and Mark cohost made a joke on the matter Thursday morning, shocking husband Mark Consuelos after his wife read aloud a statistic about divorce rates plummeting in the United States.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The piece opens with a description of an iconic photograph of Blass, leaping in ecstasy after leading his team to a World Series victory, in 1971.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
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Smallmouth bass are among the hardest-fighting freshwater sport fishes, popular with anglers for the leaping acrobatics the fish perform trying to unhook themselves.—
Martin J. Kernan,
Scientific American,
26 Sep. 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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To experience everything that wintertime Zürich has to offer, book a room at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich, a five-star hotel with stunning Lake Zürich views and spaces designed by Philippe Starck.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
24 Sep. 2025
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The surrounding views of Verrado and the desert are genuinely stunning, especially at sunrise.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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