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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of startling
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
That’s resulted another set of startling statistics.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
The book provides a startling, but necessary, look at America’s past.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.
—Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Adjective
The finale, which aired in December 2022, landed with a startling thunk on the side of a boat.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
That’s resulted another set of startling statistics.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
The book provides a startling, but necessary, look at America’s past.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.
—Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for startling
Adjective
-
And speaking of monologues, Carrie Coon’s surprising final sentiment has to be one of the finale’s pinnacles.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
7 Apr. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
By jumping to agentic, Amazon can make home assistants that are capable and conversational like ChatGPT but also have a framework for communicating and controlling external services, as Alexa and Siri can.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
On Sunday, McIlroy blew up for a double bogey on the first hole before jumping out to a massive lead.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
To me, every place has magic—there amazing secrets in its visuals and people.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Because of their tiny size, these monkeys are incredible jumpers, capable of leaping up to 16 feet.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The latter was dismissed by another leaping salmon catch by Glenn Phillips.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The stunning move may have repercussions on hundreds of other international students who have been targeted by the administration.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt then said Tuesday that Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs on China will become reality after midnight, when imports from China will be taxed at a stunning 104% rate.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startling. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share