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Meaning & use

startling

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈstɑːtlɪŋ/
US/ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    So surprising or sudden that it makes you jump or feel alarmed.

    Grammar: Goes before a noun or after be: a startling noise, the noise was startling.

    Patterns

    • a startling sight
    • startling to someone

    A startling crash came from the kitchen.

    It was startling to see the empty street at noon.

    The sudden flash was startling.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Surprising enough to draw attention, especially for being unexpectedly large, strong or different.

    Grammar: Often used for facts and figures: startling results.

    Patterns

    • startling results
    • startling similarity

    The survey produced startling results.

    There is a startling similarity between the two paintings.

    The firm reported a startling rise in profits.

Word forms

comparativemore startling
superlativemost startling

Common combinations

startling discovery
The team made a startling discovery in the cave.
startling news
The startling news spread fast.
startling contrast
There is a startling contrast between the two cities.
startling revelation
A startling revelation changed the case.
startling resemblance
The twins have a startling resemblance.

Synonyms and how they differ

surprising
Surprising is milder and can describe something merely unexpected, while startling gives a sharper jolt.
shocking
Shocking suggests something upsetting or outrageous, which startling does not always.
astonishing
Astonishing stresses wonder or amazement more than a sudden jolt.
alarming
Alarming adds a feeling of danger or worry.

Opposites

unsurprisingexpected

Word family

startle verb
to make someone jump or feel surprised
startled adjective
feeling surprised or alarmed
startlingly adverb
in a surprising way
start verb
to jump slightly from shock, the origin of startle

Commonly confused: startling or startled? startling or starting?

startling vs startled

Startled describes how a person feels, while startling describes the thing that causes it.

startling vs starting

Starting means beginning and is unrelated in meaning.

Practice

Choose the best word: 'We were startled by the ___ noise outside.'

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