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
The startling find came to light after a person navigating a houseboat last week bumped into an obstruction in the river and damaged the vessel, said Ken Casparis, a spokesman for the county.
—
Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 3 June 2024
During a recent visit, the contrast between the roar of the nearby 2 Freeway and the sound of birds chatting in the garden was startling.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
Some instances are subtle; others are dramatic and startling.
—Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
The sudden halt in funding was startling to Williams.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for startling 
Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 3 June 2024
During a recent visit, the contrast between the roar of the nearby 2 Freeway and the sound of birds chatting in the garden was startling.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
Some instances are subtle; others are dramatic and startling.
—Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
The sudden halt in funding was startling to Williams.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 22 May 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 10 Jun. 2024.
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