startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstärt-liŋ 
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ
: causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly
adverb
Synonyms
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
In 1990, that a woman in her mid-twenties would address a belittling man in this way felt startling and new.
—
Ann Powers, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
The film remains chaotic and startling through the end.
—Eisa Nefertari Ulen, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling 
Ann Powers, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
The film remains chaotic and startling through the end.
—Eisa Nefertari Ulen, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'startling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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