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
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Recent Examples of startling
Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Giroux and Lish have startling minds and styles that leap off the page; Cowley, not so much.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Saturday, startling his sister.
—Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
But Mobasseri infuses Vahid with decency that overcomes a thirst for revenge, and in the end, his fear is a startling reminder to not yield to oppression.
—Verb
Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Jones has said the most surprising moment of the season was the 44-30 loss at Detroit that ended the winning streak and sent the Cowboys tumbling to a 1-4 finish.—
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Another surprising element of Zubimendi’s game has been his aerial prowess, despite standing at 5ft 11in (180cm).—
Verb
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The enduring moment of the game is probably the deep touchdown pass between Shough and Chris Olave — the one that saw Olave shrugging off cornerback Jaycee Horn and then scampering into the end zone, then jumping into a Panthers field-side fan section.—
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In one impressive video, the teenager could be seen jumping over a large hill on her bike before zooming around a corner.—
Verb
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But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
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Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.—
Adjective
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What an amazing group of women to journey through this mom-hood together!—
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Fresh talks can spark amazing progress.—
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Verb
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Polar bears are leaping through their evolution in real time as rising temperatures threaten their habitat.—
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Luna is leaping into your chatty 3rd house, inviting you to share ideas with humor and rewrite notes before hitting send.—
Verb
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That’s terrifying on a whole different level.—
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At another level, there does seem to be something absurd and even terrifying about the idea that someone who is not elected can become the leader of a country and then will be recognized as the leader of that country and receive the immunities afforded to heads of state.—
Adjective
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Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
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Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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