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
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
That knife-edge divide — dry pavement on one side, a downpour on the other — is what made Ford’s footage so startling.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 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
This startling development should raise alarm bells in Springfield, which already has heard warnings from experts that power capacity could fall short of what’s needed in Illinois within the next five years.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
That knife-edge divide — dry pavement on one side, a downpour on the other — is what made Ford’s footage so startling.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 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
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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For one of them to celebrate a career-first win Sunday wouldn’t be all that surprising.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 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
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The montage features Louis playing on the beach, swinging a bat, and jumping into the ocean—a snapshot of carefree moments typical of a normal childhood.—
Antonella Rossi,
Vanity Fair,
24 Apr. 2026
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That never appeared more obvious than his final appearance, when the Chargers’ secondary began jumping some routes.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 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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In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Their latest documentary series looks set to continue that streak, exploring a shocking real case of love, betrayal, and justice.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Coast Guard shared video of Air Force pararescuemen leaping from a C-130 Hercules airplane to meet the crew of a Coast Guard cutter on Sunday.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
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For the plant-based, seaweed forward food; for the sauna in a wartime electricity station on the edge of the land; for leaping straight out of the whimsical, high-design boat house into the North Sea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Directed by Lee Sang-min, the film stars Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won as a road-view camera crew that encounters terrifying supernatural events at a remote reservoir.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 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 best examples are his stunning goals against Atletico Madrid and Brighton & Hove Albion.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Traditional-style longboats cruise the rivers while skyscrapers with rooftop bars offer stunning views of the temples at night.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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