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
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
Some of the most startling details will be in Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again — a book by Tapper and Thompson set to be released later this month.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
That might not be shocking given the effects other tariffs have had, but what is startling is the lack of any detail about the president's plan for Hollywood.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Alfredo Tejada makes a startling company debut as a ferociously frightening Ramón Ruiz Alonso, who arrests Lorca.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Nothing can be more startling than spotting a bear on a hiking trail or worse – in your neighborhood.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
Some of the most startling details will be in Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again — a book by Tapper and Thompson set to be released later this month.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
That might not be shocking given the effects other tariffs have had, but what is startling is the lack of any detail about the president's plan for Hollywood.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Alfredo Tejada makes a startling company debut as a ferociously frightening Ramón Ruiz Alonso, who arrests Lorca.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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His comments came shortly after surprising fans with the announcement of their sixth child in 2023.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
13 May 2025
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If the ballroom dancing was unexpected, the evening’s entertainment in Clamecy was even more surprising.—
Rachel Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
Verb
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On Sunday, McIlroy blew up for a double bogey on the first hole before jumping out to a massive lead.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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By jumping to agentic, Amazon can make home assistants that are capable and conversational like ChatGPT but also have a framework for communicating and controlling external services, as Alexa and Siri can.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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A lot of amazing stories that have aired have come from a collaboration between us and Ellen, and that’s why she’s been a part of the show for so long.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Because of their tiny size, these monkeys are incredible jumpers, capable of leaping up to 16 feet.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2025
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The latter was dismissed by another leaping salmon catch by Glenn Phillips.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On March 15, 2024, a solar flare and an accompanying CME led to stunning auroras across the solar system, including on Mars.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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On Sunday night, Brennand will be the recipient of the Kering and Festival du Cannes 2025 Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award because of the stunning achievement that Manas is.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 26 May. 2025.
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