startling

adjective

star·​tling ˈstärt-liŋ How to pronounce startling (audio)
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ
: 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 The panel’s unanimous ruling represents a startling fall for an official who was second in command to then-Chief Michel Moore and seemed poised to potentially take the reins of the the department. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2024 Abby Anderson is opening up about a startling phenomenon she’s experienced with women lately. Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 10 July 2024 The findings suggest that medical advances against some cancers—gained by better screening, prevention and treatment—have been overtaken by startling increases in other cancers, including colon, rectal, thyroid, ovarian and prostate cancers. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 July 2024 For Verge customers, most of the startling price tag clearly goes toward technology: fast-charging capability via Tesla Superchargers will also play a key role in sales, no doubt. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for startling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'startling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of startling was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near startling

Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

startling

adjective
star·​tling
: causing a sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly
ˈstärt-liŋ-lē
-ᵊl-iŋ-
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on startling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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