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
And these startling figures do not reflect the food crises that could be unleashed this year by rising energy and fertilizer prices, decreases in grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, and an intensifying El Niño weather pattern. — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Indeed, food service and drinking places added 59,000 jobs, while local government education added another startling 42,000—together making up 62% of all the jobs created in August. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Unlike the grande dames of the Amalfi Coast, Angelina is sleek, modern, and a startling, almost Greek-style interloper to the cliffside above pretty Praiano. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Footage from the event showed an actress portraying Nikki screaming at and startling guests. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 3 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Startling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/startling. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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