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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of startling
Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025
Sheryl Lee Ralph is the latest star to have her world rocked by a startling Finding Your Roots discovery.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Mathis’ voice was remarkably pristine, a little richer with less quivering, fewer low notes and startling power.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Rapid kill-chains That strike extended a startling streak for Russian forces in Ukraine.
—David Axe, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Their immediate concern, and the main catalyst for Germany’s startling defense policy U-turn, is the war in Ukraine.
—Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025
Sheryl Lee Ralph is the latest star to have her world rocked by a startling Finding Your Roots discovery.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Mathis’ voice was remarkably pristine, a little richer with less quivering, fewer low notes and startling power.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Rapid kill-chains That strike extended a startling streak for Russian forces in Ukraine.
—David Axe, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Out of all the characters, however, the Moo Moo Meadows cow went viral online for its surprising inclusion in the roster.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
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One of the more surprising results, says Jacobson, was the quality of the bond people formed with their bots.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
7 Apr. 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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Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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To me, every place has magic—there amazing secrets in its visuals and people.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 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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Simone’s cover of Sara Bareilles’ Waitress heartbreaker was stunning.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
31 Mar. 2025
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The 34-inch OLED panel looks stunning, offering rich colors and deep blacks that make games like Returnal pop.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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