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
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Barry Bonds had a couple of startling revelations Wednesday while working as an analyst for Netflix during the Giants’ 7-0 loss to the New York Yankees at Oracle Park.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
Other effects were startling in a good way.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Barry Bonds had a couple of startling revelations Wednesday while working as an analyst for Netflix during the Giants’ 7-0 loss to the New York Yankees at Oracle Park.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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But for me the story of Shakur’s jailbreak was not just a piece of radical political history but a surprising revelation about my own family.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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The bigger adventures will come, but sometimes the most surprising inspiration arrives on an ordinary street corner in your own city.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At one point, Fetzer’s friend is seen jumping onto a curb with his bike, apparently to avoid the vehicle.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2026
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There have been dueling proposals ever since, with some fighting to keep the Bears in Chicago proper, others fighting to help the stadium get built in Arlington Heights, and recently Northwest Indiana jumping into the fray, proposing sites for a new Bears stadium in Gary and Hammond.—
Marissa Perlman,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
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But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The exhibition pairs their work together, showing the value of shocking style in a moment of conservatism.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
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Pastor Stephen Perumalla said the circumstances are shocking.—
Tony Aiello,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Merrill made a sensational leaping catch to rob McGonigle of a homer in the second, getting his glove well above the wall just in front of the 396 sign.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
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King was also helped along the way by Merrill keeping the game 0-0 in the second inning by leaping above the short wall in right-center field to take away what would have been the first big-league home run by McGonigle, who was 4-for-5 on Thursday in his MLB debut.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
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Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Owls beat Tennessee in the Sweet 16 three years ago as part of a stunning run to the Final Four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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