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
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
What emerged was a startling portrait of manipulated devotion that culminated in Jeffs' 2006 arrest by the FBI.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 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
Their spacecraft’s aluminum-alloy outer hull—this was startling to relearn—is only a few centimeters thick.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
What emerged was a startling portrait of manipulated devotion that culminated in Jeffs' 2006 arrest by the FBI.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 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
-
While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 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
-
That resulted in gasoline prices alone jumping nearly 11% from the month prior.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The man is listed on the Douglas County Jail roster Wednesday on potential charges of property damage and bail jumping.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
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The series abruptly concluded with Lois' shocking pregnancy news and Malcolm just starting his freshman year at Harvard.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sebastian Berhalter played an arcing free kick to the center of the area and Laborda put away a leaping volley.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The last-place Giants, who came in with a major league-low five homers, just missed a potential third long ball when Taylor Ward made a leaping grab at the left-field wall to rob Harrison Bader in the eighth.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
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Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Leonardsen lives on the second floor of a concrete-and-glass building along the harbor, which has stunning views of the sea.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Today, The Retreat is known for its ultra-luxe accommodations, amenities such as afternoon tea, and stunning location.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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