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

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Holcomb combines a startling precociousness with a moxie that has already shattered expectations. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

While the numbers are startling, Ohtani's at-bats suggest something isn't right. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Bragg poeticized his regionally predictable subjects with startling particularity. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

This opens the story up to startling confessional interactions, remarkable archive footage and a high-stakes present day search. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 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