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
Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
And in one of the most startling moves late Friday night, Trump took aim at the Pentagon in an unprecedented upheaval of senior leadership.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025
For Black students who stayed at Roxbury High, the suspension rate was 8 per 100, but for the Black students from the same neighborhood who were randomly chosen to go to South Boston High, the suspension rate in 1974 was a startling 215.1 suspensions per 100 students.
—Aaron Kupchik, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Joel Embiid continues to be out, Paul George has been a startling disappointment, and a remarkable 17 different players have been in the starting lineup through 57 games.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
The Trump administration is sending a startling message to corporate America: After three years as an international pariah, Russia could once again be open for business.
—Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
And in one of the most startling moves late Friday night, Trump took aim at the Pentagon in an unprecedented upheaval of senior leadership.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025
For Black students who stayed at Roxbury High, the suspension rate was 8 per 100, but for the Black students from the same neighborhood who were randomly chosen to go to South Boston High, the suspension rate in 1974 was a startling 215.1 suspensions per 100 students.
—Aaron Kupchik, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Joel Embiid continues to be out, Paul George has been a startling disappointment, and a remarkable 17 different players have been in the starting lineup through 57 games.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Now, astronomers have zeroed in on the surprising origin of the unusual radio pulses: a dead star, called a white dwarf, that is closely orbiting a small, cool red dwarf star.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
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So when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love finishes a 24-yard scramble by puffing his chest and taunting Jarrett, the response is far from surprising.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Everybody was smiling and literally jumping with joy.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2025
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Constantly jumping from one shiny object to the next can lead to distractions that chip away at our businesses' foundations, making sustainability challenging.—
Cody Bjugan,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Grateful for the Eagles Organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly.—
Ben Church,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
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Learn about some of the native plants and animals that make Volusia County such an amazing place.—
Joe Rassel,
Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile, the hallway bathroom upgrades existing tile with an amber shower curtain and emerald leaping cheetah wallpaper from The House of Scalamandré, which Haller chose as a subtle nod to The Royal Tenenbaums.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
26 Dec. 2024
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Soon, people are leaping forward to yank their bag off the carousel.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Thousands gather to witness the 180,000 lights illuminate the district in a stunning display.—
Monty Davis,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
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Nebbiolo grapes for this stunning wine are grown on 45-year-old vines and hail from the Colonnello vineyard.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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