startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈstärt-liŋ
: causing momentary 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
What’s new and startling is the revelation that the Bar gave her a free pass by rejecting two previous complaints.
—
The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass made a startling claim.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The political center has shifted Rubenstein’s way with startling speed over the past 18 months.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
The startling turn of events has relatives on both sides of the family worried.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
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The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass made a startling claim.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
The political center has shifted Rubenstein’s way with startling speed over the past 18 months.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
The startling turn of events has relatives on both sides of the family worried.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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