startling
adjective
star·tling ˈstärt-liŋ 
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ
: causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly adverb
Synonyms
- amazing
- astonishing
- astounding
- blindsiding
- dumbfounding
- dumfounding
- eye-opening
- flabbergasting
- jarring
- jaw-dropping
- jolting
- shocking
- stunning
- stupefying
- surprising
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Startling new evidence came to light during the trial. He made a startling discovery. It is a city of startling contrasts.
Recent Examples on the Web Having read so much about the lake’s ruin, its perfection, against the parched land, was startling. 
Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Having read so much about the lake’s ruin, its perfection, against the parched land, was startling. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Having read so much about the lake’s ruin, its perfection, against the parched land, was startling. Henry Wismayer, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 The breakdown in communication between us has been startling. Rodney Ho, ajc, 12 Aug. 2022 The scope of the pollution has turned out to be startling. Rosanna Xiastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2022 The emerging image was startling to many, who know Smith only from a portrait that was painted of him in 1842, and this photo appeared distinctly different from that. The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 The accompanying dip, which packs a startling punch of flavor for so few ingredients, is better-for-you too, with most of its creamy luxury coming from Greek yogurt mixed with just a little mayo for richness. Washington Post, 20 May 2021 But even so, there was a lot to be unexpectedly happy about within this year’s nominees, as well as some disappointing — or even startling — absences. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2022 See More
Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Having read so much about the lake’s ruin, its perfection, against the parched land, was startling. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Having read so much about the lake’s ruin, its perfection, against the parched land, was startling. Henry Wismayer, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 The breakdown in communication between us has been startling. Rodney Ho, ajc, 12 Aug. 2022 The scope of the pollution has turned out to be startling. Rosanna Xiastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2022 The emerging image was startling to many, who know Smith only from a portrait that was painted of him in 1842, and this photo appeared distinctly different from that. The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 The accompanying dip, which packs a startling punch of flavor for so few ingredients, is better-for-you too, with most of its creamy luxury coming from Greek yogurt mixed with just a little mayo for richness. Washington Post, 20 May 2021 But even so, there was a lot to be unexpectedly happy about within this year’s nominees, as well as some disappointing — or even startling — absences. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1609, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
startling
adjective
star·tling
: causing a moment of fright or surprise
a startling noise
a startling discovery
startling 1 of 2
adjective
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
- surprising
- shocking
- amazing
- stunning
- astonishing
- astounding
- unexpected
- wonderful
- jolting
- incredible
- jarring
- stupefying
- breathtaking
- jaw-dropping
- flabbergasting
- awesome
- staggering
- dumbfounding
- miraculous
- eye-opening
- unusual
- remarkable
- extraordinary
- dumfounding
- spectacular
- impressive
- awful
- disconcerting
- bewildering
- wondrous
- stupendous
- dismaying
- perplexing
- blindsiding
- discomfiting
- unanticipated
- striking
- unforeseen
- unbelievable
- uncommon
- marvelous
- upsetting
- confounding
- sublime
- portentous
- confusing
- sensational
- unimaginable
- marvellous
- noticeable
- inconceivable
- prodigious
- unthinkable
- unlikely
- incomprehensible
- rare
- notable
- phenomenal
- heart-stopping
- befuddling
- unannounced
- outstanding
- conspicuous
- unwonted
- fabulous
- muddling
- unique
- nonplusing
- nonplussing
- singular
- flustering
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unsurprising
- common
- ordinary
- usual
- typical
- normal
- customary
- mundane
- unremarkable
- unexceptional
startling
2 of 2verb
1
as in shocking
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover Synonyms & Similar Words
- surprising
- shocking
- amazing
- stunning
- astonishing
- astounding
- stupefying
- rocking
- flabbergasting
- dumbfounding
- bewildering
- perplexing
- disconcerting
- surprizing
- dumfounding
- jarring
- bowling over
- dismaying
- discomfiting
- befuddling
- thunderstriking
- taking aback
- confusing
- taking by surprise
- flooring
- blindsiding
- dazing
- confounding
- blowing away
- muddling
- shaking up
- nonplussing
- nonplusing
- knocking for a loop
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
- jumping
- leaping
- cringing
- wincing
- flinching
- jolting
- bolting
- twitching
- starting
- jerking
- reacting
- recoiling
- responding
- shrinking
- springing
- bounding
- spooking
- blenching
- quailing
- squinching
3
as in frightening
to strike with fear loud noises always startle her Synonyms & Similar Words
- frightening
- terrifying
- scaring
- shocking
- alarming
- horrifying
- spooking
- shaking
- scarifying
- amazing
- appalling
- panicking
- astounding
- terrorizing
- frighting
- affrighting
- dismaying
- disturbing
- jolting
- unsettling
- alaruming
- distracting
- disquieting
- making one's flesh crawl
- disconcerting
- unnerving
- giving one the creeps
- making one's flesh creep
- daunting
- worrying
- distressing
- awing
- dispiriting
- discomforting
- shaking up
- perturbing
- upsetting
- chilling
- emasculating
- demoralizing
- bowling over
- undoing
- flooring
- unmanning
- psyching (out)
- discomposing
- unstringing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- reassuring
- comforting
- soothing
- assuring
- consoling
- encouraging
- inspiring
- cheering
- solacing
- heartening
- emboldening
- steeling