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
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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
Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Robert Madewell, the father of a child whom Cynthia Mans once babysat in Indiana, makes startling claims.
—Danielle Bacher, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Dodging may have saved a few North Koreans last weekend, but the 11th Army Corps’ overall casualties were still startling high.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
That also included a startling new development for Shadows: genuine emotion, at least on occasion.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling 
Adjective
Yala National Park’s unique ecosystems—shrub forests, riverine habitats, sand dunes, and pristine beaches—are home to a startling array of animals and birds.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Robert Madewell, the father of a child whom Cynthia Mans once babysat in Indiana, makes startling claims.
—Danielle Bacher, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Dodging may have saved a few North Koreans last weekend, but the 11th Army Corps’ overall casualties were still startling high.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
That also included a startling new development for Shadows: genuine emotion, at least on occasion.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
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Miku's addition to Fortnite isn't surprising given that season 6 of the battle royale is celebrating Japanese culture and history.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
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That’s a surprising and sudden change, because we’ve been told for years that Meta is on a mission to protect users from misinformation and hate speech.John Brandon, Forbes, 13 Jan. 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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So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world.Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
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The ones that look amazing until the light hits just right, and suddenly they’re see-through.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Jan. 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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Video on social media showed the explosion and its aftermath as remains of the spacecraft are seen breaking up in what looks like a stunning meteor shower.Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
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Start shopping now to take advantage of the enormous deals and add some stunning new luxury items to your closet.Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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