startling

adjective
UK: /ˈstɑːtlɪŋ/
US: /ˈstɑːrtəlɪŋ/

  1. Causing sudden surprise or alarm.

    1. The loud noise was startling.
    2. Startling news about the company's future worried many employees.

  2. Unexpected and remarkable.

    1. She made a startling discovery.
    2. The museum showcased a startling array of modern art sculptures.

Synonyms

surprising astonishing shocking amazing alarming unexpected
startling verb

  1. Present participle of startle: to surprise or frighten someone suddenly.

    1. The dog was startling me with its sudden barks.
    2. He was startling everyone by announcing his sudden retirement plans.
startling adverb

  1. In a way that causes surprise or alarm.

    1. He appeared startling in the doorway.
    2. The magician startling revealed a dove from his empty hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "startling" in English means: Causing sudden surprise or alarm., Unexpected and remarkable..

The phonetic transcription of "startling" is /ˈstɑːtlɪŋ/ in British English and /ˈstɑːrtəlɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "startling": surprising, astonishing, shocking, amazing, alarming, unexpected.

Example usage of "startling": "The loud noise was startling.". More examples on the page.