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.
On Our Radar -Forbes billionaire and U30 alum Palmer Luckey is reportedly seeking to raise a fresh round of funding for his defense startup Anduril, which could value the company at a startling $100 billion. — Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 That leaves a startling number of people outside the screening system. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026 For a Seattle politician to argue that tolerating drug crime and disorder amounts to harm enhancement registered as something close to startling news. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 The two women governed as allies through much of Bass’s first term, making Raman’s decision to challenge the incumbent all the more startling. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 5 Aug. 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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