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
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
The startling quake in an unexpected area should serve as a wake-up call for businesses, schools and homeowners everywhere to consider having safety protocols for earthquakes, the resident said.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
When the Sundance lineup was announced at the end of 2024, one of the most startling images was of Mr. La Chimera and Patrick Zweig Double Threat himself: Josh O’Connor.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Fall sustains many tonal expectations of the road-trip comedy and the coming-of-age tale, to startling effect, as Doe and Muna lie, steal, and wheedle their way through Turkey to reach the border.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for startling 
Adjective
In some respects, the Gaza proposal was in line with Trump’s embrace of startling territorial ambitions, such as taking control of Greenland, making Canada a 51st state and grabbing back the Panama Canal.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
The startling quake in an unexpected area should serve as a wake-up call for businesses, schools and homeowners everywhere to consider having safety protocols for earthquakes, the resident said.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
When the Sundance lineup was announced at the end of 2024, one of the most startling images was of Mr. La Chimera and Patrick Zweig Double Threat himself: Josh O’Connor.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Fall sustains many tonal expectations of the road-trip comedy and the coming-of-age tale, to startling effect, as Doe and Muna lie, steal, and wheedle their way through Turkey to reach the border.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Tucker, Betts, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are your steady vets, and there is surprising consensus around Julio Rodriguez, Jackson Chourio and Wyatt Langford.—
Owen Poindexter,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
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This luxury resort, set in the tranquil countryside, is your gateway to surprising epicurean adventures as well.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 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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Chelsea is the other one with an amazing record of producing high quality players.—
Andy Jones,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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The women delivered their high-energy 2020 set in Miami, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including a special cameo from Lopez's daughter, Emme Maribel, who was 11 at the time.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
8 Feb. 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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The unplanned synchronicity of these looks created a stunning visual against the snowy backdrop.—
Stixx Mathews,
Essence,
11 Feb. 2025
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Tucked away on the stunning Preá Beach, famous for its vibrant kitesurfing scene, Terra dos Ventos is the most expensive property ever listed for sale in the area—and just so happens to be entirely powered by solar panels.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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