startling

/ˈstɑrtlɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Very surprising, shocking, or alarming.
    • The scientist made a startling discovery about the ancient ruins.
    • It was startling to see how much the city had changed in just one year.
    • The sudden drop in temperature was startling for everyone at the picnic.
Antonyms
noun
  1. The act or instance of causing sudden surprise or shock.
    • His constant startlings at small noises made him seem nervous.
    • The startlings of the audience during the horror movie were audible.
    • The cat's startlings at every shadow kept the family amused.
What does "startling" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean