Startling and Upsetting

Startling

Startling adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: the startling news that my sister will be having a baby

Upsetting and startling are semantically related In some cases you can use "Upsetting" instead an adjective "Startling".

Nearby Words: startle, startled, startler

Upsetting

Upsetting adjective - Causing worry or anxiety.

Startling and upsetting are semantically related in disturbing topic. You can use "Startling" instead an adjective "Upsetting".

Nearby Word: upset

Both words in one sentence

  • Hannibal still portrays its title character as Wicked Cultured, but all of the violence is portrayed as startling, upsetting (especially to borderline-supernaturally-empathic Will Graham) and repulsive, no matter how artfully contrived.
Cite this Source
Upsetting and Startling. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/startling/upsetting
Startling & Upsetting. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/startling/upsetting>.
Upsetting or Startling. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/startling/upsetting.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "startling" and "upsetting" have occurred on timeline