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
Adapted from the titular national treasure’s The Seven Dials Mystery by Broadchurch’s Chris Chibnall, this is a reassuringly old-school, three-part potboiler packed with witty quips and startling twists.
—
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
But Mobasseri infuses Vahid with decency that overcomes a thirst for revenge, and in the end, his fear is a startling reminder to not yield to oppression.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Giroux and Lish have startling minds and styles that leap off the page; Cowley, not so much.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Having a 41-year-old player on his roster won’t be startling for Lakers coach JJ Redick.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
But Mobasseri infuses Vahid with decency that overcomes a thirst for revenge, and in the end, his fear is a startling reminder to not yield to oppression.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Giroux and Lish have startling minds and styles that leap off the page; Cowley, not so much.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Having a 41-year-old player on his roster won’t be startling for Lakers coach JJ Redick.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 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 Jan. 2026.
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