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
Their findings were even more startling: 98% of the systems were oversized by at least 200% of their heating capacity, and at least 33% oversized in cooling capacity.
—
Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
While the air puff might be somewhat startling, the test is painless.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2025
In person the tremendous symmetry of her face was startling; her cheekbones protruded, and her eyes were far apart.
—Darcey Steinke, Vogue, 27 July 2025
More Antonio Masiello/Getty Images Regarding that deserved disrepute, the specifics of this new raid are startling.
—Steve Cortes, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
While the air puff might be somewhat startling, the test is painless.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2025
In person the tremendous symmetry of her face was startling; her cheekbones protruded, and her eyes were far apart.
—Darcey Steinke, Vogue, 27 July 2025
More Antonio Masiello/Getty Images Regarding that deserved disrepute, the specifics of this new raid are startling.
—Steve Cortes, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.
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