startling

1 of 2

adjective

star·​tling ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 

ˈstärt-liŋ

: causing fright, surprise, or astonishment

a startling discovery

startlingly adverb

startling

2 of 2

present participle of startle entry 1

Synonyms of startling

Adjective

• surprising
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing

Examples of startling in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

To anyone accustomed to the usual genealogies of either Judd or late-twentieth-century architecture, his choice of Alexander might have been startling. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

This season has been an up-and-down one for the defense, which played well in wins over Atlanta and Philadelphia but had one of the franchise’s poorest days ever in Week 1, allowing a startling 59 points to the Chicago Bears. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

The magazine published several letters from readers noting a startling resemblance between 9-year-old Charles, Prince of Wales, and Neuman. — John Ficarra, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Adventure has a habit of turning strangers into friends with startling speed. — Chloe Frost-Smith, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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