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
Henley's eyes were light blue, vivid and startling against the rest of her coloring.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
But these warhorses have been rejuvenated in startling ways.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Models, modeling agents, casting directors, and designers are all noting a startling return to skinniness on the runway.
—Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Federal regulators are ordering a review of all of ABC’s station licenses, a startling move that has drawn alarm from free speech advocates and could lead to a legal battle with Disney, ABC’s parent company.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
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Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
But these warhorses have been rejuvenated in startling ways.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Models, modeling agents, casting directors, and designers are all noting a startling return to skinniness on the runway.
—Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Federal regulators are ordering a review of all of ABC’s station licenses, a startling move that has drawn alarm from free speech advocates and could lead to a legal battle with Disney, ABC’s parent company.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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