C1adjectivemediascience
US/ˈstɑːrt.lɪŋ/
UK/ˈstɑːt.lɪŋ/
so surprising or unusual that it gives you a small shock
In context
The report revealed a startling rise in vaping among teenagers.
She has startling blue eyes that everyone notices first.
With startling speed, the fire spread to the next three houses.
Words that go with startling
adjective + noun
- startling discoveryDivers made a startling discovery near the island.
- startling contrastThe luxury hotel stands in startling contrast to the poor houses around it.
- startling revelationThe book contains some startling revelations about the singer's past.
- startling resultsThe experiment produced startling results.
- startling speedFake news spreads with startling speed.
- startling increaseDoctors have seen a startling increase in childhood obesity.