startling
adjective
creating sudden alarm, surprise, or wonder; astonishing.
startlingly
-
a word derived from
startling.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Now that he’s a bit wrinkly and gray he shows promise of being a startlingly persuasive character actor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
The star returned to the spotlight last year with her fifth album West End Girl - a startlingly honest account of the breakdown of her marriage to actor David Harbour.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
The British have become startlingly careless about this—their citizenship test is as likely to pose questions about soap operas as about Magna Carta.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
The startlingly quick pace is closely tied to how riders are paid.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026
Now, startlingly, the old woman’s hand felt different.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
