startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈstärt-liŋ
: causing momentary 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
Expect sudden insights, startling news or perhaps even a candid exchange that is both uncomfortable and liberating.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
The historical nuggets here are startling.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
All through 2016 and 2017, Farm Bank grew at a startling rate.
—Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
And then there’s the young Ella Anderson, recently named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch for 2025, who brings startling depth and emotional clarity to her role as Rachel, Claire’s daughter.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
The historical nuggets here are startling.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
All through 2016 and 2017, Farm Bank grew at a startling rate.
—Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
And then there’s the young Ella Anderson, recently named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch for 2025, who brings startling depth and emotional clarity to her role as Rachel, Claire’s daughter.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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