startling

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

Synonyms of startling

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While such startling predictions were being voiced on stage, my gaze was drawn to the audience. — Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026 The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 The latest — and, to Rebecca, most startling — blow landed this month. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 June 2026 Some of the recent statistics on digital isolation and loneliness are startling. — Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for startling

Word History

First Known Use

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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on startling

Nglish: Translation of startling for Spanish Speakers

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