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
Director Morten Tyldum gives the movie a glossy flair and injects his sci-fi romance with startling scenes like the zero-G swimming pool sequence.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2025
That was the startling observation of one seasoned producer, reflecting confidentially on the panic among his peers since the turn of the year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Steele says there are currently 170 people registered to stay, meaning a 60-day operation would cost a startling $67,000 per person.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
A couple driving in Arizona in 2018 made a startling find.
—Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for startling 
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Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2025
That was the startling observation of one seasoned producer, reflecting confidentially on the panic among his peers since the turn of the year.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Steele says there are currently 170 people registered to stay, meaning a 60-day operation would cost a startling $67,000 per person.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
A couple driving in Arizona in 2018 made a startling find.
—Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2025.
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