Synonyms for startling


Grammar : Adj
Spell : stahrt-ling, stahr-tl-ing
Phonetic Transcription : ˈstɑrt lɪŋ, ˈstɑr tl ɪŋ


Définition of startling

Origin :
  • c.1300, "run to and fro," frequentative of sterten (see start (v.)). Sense of "move suddenly in surprise or fear" first recorded 1520s. Transitive meaning "frighten suddenly" is from 1590s. The word retains more of the original meaning of start (v.). Related: Startled; startling.
  • adj frightful
Example sentences :
  • But this was not so startling as what it showed in the foreground.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • Grace and a miracle had made the startling fact palpable and evident.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • Now, without warning, a startling transformation was wrought.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • At the dread word, a startling change was wrought in the girl.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • This is a startling statement, but it is fully warranted by the facts.
  • Extract from : « Flying Machines » by W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
  • The most startling—the most painful intelligence has just been conveyed to me.
  • Extract from : « Night and Morning, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • Startling as this may now seem, I am confident the time will come when the project will be realised.'
  • Extract from : « Heroes of the Telegraph » by J. Munro
  • But I came yesterday upon a yet more crude and startling example.
  • Extract from : « Alarms and Discursions » by G. K. Chesterton
  • Suddenly, above the sound of the rain, there came a startling noise.
  • Extract from : « Frank Roscoe's Secret » by Allen Chapman
  • The announcement was so startling that the three chums could only look at one another.
  • Extract from : « Frank Roscoe's Secret » by Allen Chapman

Antonyms for startling

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019