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startling

adjective

star·​tling ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce startling (audio)
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
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.
This led to a startling discovery. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025 The move was a startling acknowledgement of a reality that has swallowed a television news business that once sat atop America’s media hierarchy. Max Tani, semafor.com, 17 Nov. 2025 Still, the decline and fall of the Patriots during the past several years had been startling to witness. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025 Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS HARD TRUTH – Lady Gaga makes startling medication confession about 'A Star Is Born' filming. FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for startling

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of startling was in 1609

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Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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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