startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈstärt-liŋ
: causing fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly
adverb
Examples of startling in a Sentence
Startling new evidence came to light during the trial.
He made a startling discovery.
It is a city of startling contrasts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Oddly drawn to disconnect, horror fans crave novel experiences that feel both startling and strangely familiar.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
2 July 2026
The latest — and, to Rebecca, most startling — blow landed this month.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Some sites are ‘lost forever’ The list of sites in the heart of Miami that have been found, only to be lost again, is at the same time discouraging and startling.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
But, in a startling display of unity, citizens across the political spectrum, from all over the country, have taken to social media to put together disaster-relief efforts.
—
Armando Ledezma,
New Yorker,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
2 July 2026
The latest — and, to Rebecca, most startling — blow landed this month.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Some sites are ‘lost forever’ The list of sites in the heart of Miami that have been found, only to be lost again, is at the same time discouraging and startling.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
But, in a startling display of unity, citizens across the political spectrum, from all over the country, have taken to social media to put together disaster-relief efforts.
—
Armando Ledezma,
New Yorker,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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