Synonyms for

Startling

Verb / ˈstɑ:rtlɪŋ / Another word for startling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing sudden shock, surprise, or alarm

Synonyms & similar words

startle galvanize start galvanise jump surprising shocking alarming astonishing amazing jarring disconcerting unsettling unexpected unforeseen abrupt abruptly sudden unexpectedly surprisingly shockingly amazingly astonishingly jarringly disconcertingly

Synonyms by register

Formal

astonishing surprising unexpected shocking

Informal

mind-blowing jaw-dropping whopping out of the blue

Literary

bewildering stunning thunderous

Antonyms

calm ordinary expected usual unremarkable predictable common

Common collocations

  • startling discovery
  • startling effect
  • startling contrast
  • startling realization
  • startling increase
  • startling revelation
  • startling silence

Word family

noun startle
verb startle
adjective startling
adverb startlingly

Usage note

Often used to describe something that causes sudden surprise or alarm. It implies a strong, immediate reaction.

Example sentences

  1. The loud thunder was startling.
  2. I was startled by the sudden knock on the door.
  3. The unexpected news was very startling.
  4. The fire alarm was very startling.
  5. The sudden drop in temperature was startling.

Quotes

  • Startling news brings darkness to a man's face.
  • The most startling truth is we don't even know who we are.
  • The most startling result of sin is that you don't know you're committing it.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words