startling

startling

adj

Definition of STARTLING

: causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment <a startling discovery>

— star·tling·ly adverb

Examples of STARTLING

1. Startling new evidence came to light during the trial.
2. He made a startling discovery.
3. It is a city of startling contrasts.

First Known Use of STARTLING

1714

Related to STARTLING

Synonyms: amazing, astonishing, astounding, blindsiding, dumbfounding (also dumfounding), eye-opening, flabbergasting, jarring, jaw-dropping, jolting, shocking, surprising, stunning, stupefying

Antonyms: unsurprising

Related Words: unannounced, unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen; awesome, awful, breathtaking, fabulous, heart-stopping, marvelous (or marvellous), miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stupendous, sublime, wonderful, wondrous; extraordinary, phenomenal, rare, sensational, spectacular; befuddling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, discomfiting, disconcerting, dismaying, flustering, muddling, nonplussing (also nonplusing), perplexing, upsetting; incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unlikely, unthinkable; singular, uncommon, unique, unusual, unwonted; conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable; impressive, striking

Near Antonyms: common, customary, mundane, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unremarkable, usual

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