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
When Azik tries to rid himself of the stigma, calling someone else weak as if to offload the physical weight of the insult, a startling act of violence occurs.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The lack of communication is startling.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
In the documentary, Hao also cites startling data from a study led by labor researcher Tim Newman.
—Krystle Vermes, Futurism, 13 May 2026
The speed of the solar surge has been startling.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
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David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The lack of communication is startling.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
In the documentary, Hao also cites startling data from a study led by labor researcher Tim Newman.
—Krystle Vermes, Futurism, 13 May 2026
The speed of the solar surge has been startling.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 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 16 May. 2026.
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