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.

But it’s a startling precedent to sanction a citizen of an ally with independent courts for mere legal advocacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Allen said it had been "really startling" when he and the team saw what the film would look like for the first time, adding the aesthetic took some getting used to.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Polling data on how people around the world view America inevitably makes for dry reading, but still exposes startling differences between how Americans see themselves and external perceptions.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

The screenwriter I met at République who, based on his startling non-resemblance to his photo, had obviously posted a picture of someone else on his profile.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

In the waiting, she fell asleep herself, startling awake only when she heard the floorboards singing a song she hadn’t heard before.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi