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
And, in legal depositions, Ou and his deputies would soon make startling admissions about how his business really works.
—
Jesse Coburn, Curbed, 31 Jan. 2025
Duck hunters in the Land of Enchantment received a startling health advisory from the New Mexico Department of Health Monday.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025
The Warriors won 10 of 30 games after starting the season 12-3, a startling fall that has sunk them below .500.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025
In this poetic testament to the power of place in our lives, Mayes reflects on the idea of home, from the earliest imprint of four walls to the startling discoveries of feeling the strange ease of homes abroad, friends’ homes and even momentary homes that spark desires for other lives.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for startling 
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Jesse Coburn, Curbed, 31 Jan. 2025
Duck hunters in the Land of Enchantment received a startling health advisory from the New Mexico Department of Health Monday.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025
The Warriors won 10 of 30 games after starting the season 12-3, a startling fall that has sunk them below .500.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025
In this poetic testament to the power of place in our lives, Mayes reflects on the idea of home, from the earliest imprint of four walls to the startling discoveries of feeling the strange ease of homes abroad, friends’ homes and even momentary homes that spark desires for other lives.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 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 6 Feb. 2025.
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