as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the startling news that my sister will be having a baby
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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
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3
as in frightening
to strike with fear
loud noises always startle her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of startling
Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Comedy is the word to describe that amorphous, precious, sacred moment of connection between two parties in which a ridiculous but startling truth about the human experience is fully understood.
—Brian Boone, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
The action sometimes jumps ahead in time to show an adult version of Elwood, played by Daveed Diggs, providing some of the most startling moments of the film.
—Esther Zuckerman, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024
Syrian rebels have reportedly breached the city of Aleppo itself, according to open source analysts and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as thousands of insurgent fighters make startling advances in their surprise offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in northwestern Syria.
—Patricio Chile, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling 
Adjective
The most startling of these, a thing without precedent, is a mass of undignified poor.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Comedy is the word to describe that amorphous, precious, sacred moment of connection between two parties in which a ridiculous but startling truth about the human experience is fully understood.
—Brian Boone, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
The action sometimes jumps ahead in time to show an adult version of Elwood, played by Daveed Diggs, providing some of the most startling moments of the film.
—Esther Zuckerman, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024
Syrian rebels have reportedly breached the city of Aleppo itself, according to open source analysts and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as thousands of insurgent fighters make startling advances in their surprise offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in northwestern Syria.
—Patricio Chile, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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In August 2024, the United States, also a major plastic and oil producer, announced a surprising policy shift by now committing to support limits on plastic production as well.Susan Solomon, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
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Jamie Foxx's birthday dinner took a surprising turn on Friday the 13th.Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Digitalization in the scrap business isn’t about jumping into all the latest tools.Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Flames were reported on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway, with the fire jumping the road in at least two locations — the area around Malibu Pier and around Malibu Road and Webb Way, just next to Malibu Colony Plaza, where a Ralphs supermarket is located, according to the city.Pat Saperstein, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Apple introduced its amazing Vision Pro spatial computing headset, giving us a glimpse of our immersive digital future.Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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So many people gave amazing personal accounts of Bob at the event and so many great Arkansas coaches and administrators past and present came out to honor him.Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In the show’s two signature numbers, both of them Norma’s declarations of her own worthiness, Scherzinger stands at center stage and belts with shocking vocal power and agility, surrounded by purgatorial swirls of smoke and blown out by that Lloydian white light.Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024
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But rather than play up the murders’ shocking gore or give momentum to Lois’ investigation, the first few episodes are content to linger in the investigator’s ennui.Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Instead of leaping for the sky, focus on the ground beneath your feet.Kathy Miller Perkins, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
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The Bulldogs eventually scored on the drive when quarterback Mikey Keene fired a seven-yard touchdown pass that a leaping Raylen Sharpe grabbed in the back of the end zone.Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The stunning collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has presented a new opportunity to gather fresh intelligence on the American national, according to current and former US officials.Nathan Hodge, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
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No other team in the playoff has been more second-guessed than the Buckeyes after their regular season ended with a stunning home loss to rival Michigan, which was a 20-point underdog.Andrew Greif, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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