startling

adjective

star·​tling ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 

ˈstärt-liŋ

: causing fright, surprise, or astonishment

a startling discovery

startlingly adverb

Synonyms of startling

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing

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

Despite the early morning hour, the oceanfront hotels were already abuzz, a startling contrast to the more relaxed mood at Hotel Wailea. — Ronee Uyeshiro, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

The bat fell onto a table at the Yellow Deli in Vista, startling patrons. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Could that work in the favour of Walsh, whose startling physical development has been widely remarked upon by fans in recent weeks? — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 July 2026

The size of the gap is startling because retail has many challenges that technology could solve. — Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

startling

adjective

star·​tling

: causing a sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment

a startling discovery

startlingly

ˈstärt-liŋ-lē, 

-ᵊl-iŋ-

adverb