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
Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
In Trauma Plot, Hood investigates her past and present with startling honesty and curiosity.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Instead, those who have been paying attention have watched something startling.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Reporters often receive startling tips or notice surprising numbers in records and then learn there are perfectly clear explanations for what appeared shocking at first glance
The former head of U.S. Agency for Global Media, Amanda Bennett, described a recent instance of this phenomenon.
—Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for startling
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.
Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
In Trauma Plot, Hood investigates her past and present with startling honesty and curiosity.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Instead, those who have been paying attention have watched something startling.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Reporters often receive startling tips or notice surprising numbers in records and then learn there are perfectly clear explanations for what appeared shocking at first glance
The former head of U.S. Agency for Global Media, Amanda Bennett, described a recent instance of this phenomenon.
—Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 31 Mar. 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 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share