startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈstärt-liŋ
: causing 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
As the past timeline catches up to the wedding chaos in the present on the six-episode HBO/BBC drama, Ruben (Gadd) makes a startling admission to Niall (Jamie Bell) during a prison visit.
—
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026
The explosion – rocking the Atlantic Coast of Florida and startling residents – completely destroyed the rocket's booster and upper stage that flies in orbit, while significantly damaging the launch pad.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026
When Danny performs, though, something startling is revealed, something that’s built into the casting.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Officers in Texas displayed startling belligerence at times, grabbing or tackling students a fraction of their size over misconduct that often appeared to be minor.
—Clare Amari, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026
The explosion – rocking the Atlantic Coast of Florida and startling residents – completely destroyed the rocket's booster and upper stage that flies in orbit, while significantly damaging the launch pad.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026
When Danny performs, though, something startling is revealed, something that’s built into the casting.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Officers in Texas displayed startling belligerence at times, grabbing or tackling students a fraction of their size over misconduct that often appeared to be minor.
—Clare Amari, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
