Shocking
Shocking adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: we all clustered around to hear the shocking news of our colleague's sudden death
Startling is a synonym for shocking in stunning topic. In some cases you can use "Startling" instead an adjective "Shocking", when it comes to topics like astonishing. popular alternative
Startling
Startling adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: the startling news that my sister will be having a baby
Shocking is a synonym for startling in surprising topic. You can use "Shocking" instead an adjective "Startling", if it concerns topics such as frightful, astonishing. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- disgusting and shocking
- disgusting and startling
- lurid and shocking
- lurid and startling
- sensational and shocking
- sensational and startling
- terrible and shocking
- terrible and startling
- dreadful and shocking
- dreadful and startling
- frightful and shocking
- frightful and startling
- distressing and shocking
- distressing and startling
Cite this Source
Startling and Shocking. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/startling
Shocking & Startling. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/startling>.
Startling or Shocking. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/startling.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "shocking" and "startling" have occurred on timeline