startling
Causing sudden alarm
Startling describes something that causes sudden surprise or alarm—an unexpected jolt to the senses or mind.
A startling noise makes you jump.
Startling news catches you off guard.
The word implies a sharp, momentary reaction rather than lasting shock: The resemblance between them was startling.
Causing great wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- shockingCausing intense surprise
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
amazing · unexpected · unforeseen · incredible · unbelievable · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · stupefying
Provoking fear or anxiety
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
- unnervingCausing loss of composure
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
troubling · jarring · jolting · off-putting · discomfiting · upsetting · perturbing · rattling
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- rapidMoving with haste
- precipitousExtremely steep, almost vertical
hasty · flash · split-second · unexpected · sharp · quick · meteoric · immediate
Surprising disclosed truth
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- awakeningReturn to consciousness
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
- discoveryAct of finding something
realization · eye-opener · insight · illumination · clarification · perspective · awareness · understanding
astonishing
Causing great wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- shockingCausing intense surprise
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
stunning · amazing · unexpected · unforeseen · incredible · unbelievable · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · stupefying · staggering
alarming
Provoking fear or anxiety
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
- unnervingCausing loss of composure
disquieting · troubling · jarring · jolting · off-putting · discomfiting · upsetting · perturbing · rattling · shaking
abrupt
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- rapidMoving with haste
precipitous · hasty · flash · split-second · unexpected · sharp · quick · meteoric · immediate · spontaneous
revelation
Surprising disclosed truth
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- awakeningReturn to consciousness
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
discovery · realization · eye-opener · insight · illumination · clarification · perspective · awareness · understanding · uncovering
vivid
Intensely clear and bright
profound · piercing · arresting · gripping · riveting · compelling · forceful · potent · emphatic · bold
- suspensesuspense, suspenseful, tension, nail-biter, nail-biting
- amazingastonishing, astounding, breathtaking, extraordinary, incredible
- emotional reactionsinspiring, moving, touching, heartwarming, chilling
- eye-catchingstriking, conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, eye-catching
- intimidationthreats, threatening, menacing, intimidate, bullying
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, hammy
startlingunsurprising
Causing no astonishment
predictable · expected · foreseeable · anticipated · ordinary
startlingcalming
Inducing a settled state
reassuring · soothing · comforting · settling · relaxing
startlingunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
unexceptional · mundane · ordinary · commonplace · common