The meaning of STARTLING is causing fright, surprise, or astonishment. How to use startling in a sentence.

/ ˈstɑːr.t̬ ə lɪŋ / Add to word list surprising and sometimes worrying: startling results

startling in American English (ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ, ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ) adjective creating sudden alarm, surprise, or wonder; astonishing

STARTLING definition: creating sudden alarm, surprise, or wonder; astonishing. See examples of startling used in a sentence.

Something that's startling is so unexpected that it shocks or surprises you. It would be startling to open your front door and see a clown standing there.

Synonyms for STARTLING: surprising, amazing, shocking, stunning, astonishing, wonderful, unexpected, astounding; Antonyms of STARTLING: unsurprising, common, ordinary, normal, usual, …

Oct 31, 2025 · Adjective startling (comparative more startling, superlative most startling) Likely to startle; surprising; shocking. Synonym: alarming

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 star•tling /ˈstɑrtlɪŋ/ adj. disturbing; frightening: a startling noise; a startling discovery.

/ ˈstɑː.t ə lɪŋ / Add to word list surprising and sometimes worrying: startling results

Discover everything about the word "STARTLING" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.