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
The visitor—who understands English but can’t speak—gradually learns to fit in while deploying his few but startling paranormal abilities.
—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
26 June 2026
In a 2010 study, scientists cooked meatloaf and found that startling quantities of silicone migrated into the food.
—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
26 June 2026
The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
The album covers hardstyle, new age pop, and operatic folk at a sometimes startling pace, capturing the chaos and ecstasy of one of the most physically and emotionally transformative experiences the human body can endure.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
26 June 2026
In a 2010 study, scientists cooked meatloaf and found that startling quantities of silicone migrated into the food.
—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
26 June 2026
The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
The album covers hardstyle, new age pop, and operatic folk at a sometimes startling pace, capturing the chaos and ecstasy of one of the most physically and emotionally transformative experiences the human body can endure.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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