startling
adjective
star·tling
ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈstärt-liŋ
: 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
These were the size of carnival one-sheets, and full of startling clip-art imagery (a screaming head, a creepy baby in a mobcap) and aggressive block capitals, announcing the circus was back in town.
—
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
But also to both the vital everyday structures and the cultural monuments that helped mark this place’s stunning achievements, told its citizens’ stories and embodied its startling confluence of talent, originality and freedom.
—Sam Lubell, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As temperatures plummet below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, these cold-blooded reptiles become lethargic and drop from trees, startling residents.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
After the Cowboys lost 47-9 at home to the Detroit Lions to enter their bye week, Jones had a startling confrontation with hosts during one of his weekly radio shows on 105.3 The Fan.
—Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
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Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
But also to both the vital everyday structures and the cultural monuments that helped mark this place’s stunning achievements, told its citizens’ stories and embodied its startling confluence of talent, originality and freedom.
—Sam Lubell, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As temperatures plummet below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, these cold-blooded reptiles become lethargic and drop from trees, startling residents.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
After the Cowboys lost 47-9 at home to the Detroit Lions to enter their bye week, Jones had a startling confrontation with hosts during one of his weekly radio shows on 105.3 The Fan.
—Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for startling
Dictionary Entries Near startling
Cite this Entry
“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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