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.

So it was startling to read stuff like this:

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Over 1,200 companies were taking part in the expo, according to organisers, plying their wares to the tens of thousands of attendees there for a startling variety of motives.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

When it came out, I learned to know what time the more startling scenes would come on, and I would go from theater to theater to see the audience reaction.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

You could call this a startling reversal, given that Labour won an enormous parliamentary majority in the British general election less than two years ago.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

“Grammy,” I say, the shrillness of my voice startling me.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt