startling

1 of 2

adjective

star·​tling ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce startling (audio)
ˈstärt-liŋ
Synonyms of startlingnext
: causing fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly adverb

startling

2 of 2

present participle of startle entry 1

Synonyms of startling

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Adjective

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Examples of startling in a Sentence

Adjective Startling new evidence came to light during the trial. He made a startling discovery. It is a city of startling contrasts.
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Adjective
The red, as startling as a cymbal clap, strikes the eye, but the impending drama remains out of sight. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Holcomb combines a startling precociousness with a moxie that has already shattered expectations. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 While the numbers are startling, Ohtani's at-bats suggest something isn't right. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Bragg poeticized his regionally predictable subjects with startling particularity. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for startling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of startling was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

startler
startling
startlish
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Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

startling

adjective
star·​tling
: causing a sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment
a startling discovery
startlingly
ˈstärt-liŋ-lē, 
-ᵊl-iŋ-
adverb
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