startling

adjective

star·​tling ˈstärt-liŋ How to pronounce startling (audio)
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ
: 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 The sudden halt in funding was startling to Williams. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024 Long before the film reaches its startling, sneakily moving denouement, Arnold extends to Bailey the faith that parents and politicians seeking simply to control children’s behavior so sorely lack. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for startling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'startling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of startling was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near startling

Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

startling

adjective
star·​tling
: causing a sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly
ˈstärt-liŋ-lē
-ᵊl-iŋ-
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on startling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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