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
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Recent Examples of startling
Krystle Vermes, Futurism, 13 May 2026
The speed of the solar surge has been startling.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 May 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
In the documentary, Hao also cites startling data from a study led by labor researcher Tim Newman.
—Krystle Vermes, Futurism, 13 May 2026
The speed of the solar surge has been startling.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 May 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
-
When Mercury meets Uranus, a surprising option could make the road feel less fixed.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
Swapping in travel-size versions or better yet, pouring your go-tos into small reusable bottles, frees up a surprising amount of space and weight.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The Crusaders wasted no time jumping ahead, scoring two runs in the first inning without a hit.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Relive your days of jumping off rope swings amid stands of cypress trees in Texas Hill Country, or simply enjoy a refreshing dip after a hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains.—
Talia Avakian,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Verb
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
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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
Adjective
-
McGregor first fought at welterweight in 2016 in a shocking loss to Diaz, then defeated Diaz later that year, again in the 170-pound division.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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But at the center of it all is Navarrette, whose fearless turn grounds the film’s shocking premise in something both heartbreaking and haunting.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Still, Boeing’s suddenly gone from a standstill to possibly leaping ahead of its European competitor in the what will be the world’s fastest growing market.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
-
Only one of those came from a corner, and that was Jesse Derry’s worrying collision with Nottingham Forest’s Zach Abbott this month when leaping for a second ball.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and also terrifying with a 4-year-old along.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Present technologies offer stunning opportunities in this respect.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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That will cap a stunning reversal after the central bank maintained ultra-low rates—and even negative rates for several years—to fight deflation amid a stagnating economy.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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