price gouging

noun

: charging customers too much money
The company has been accused of price gouging.

Examples of price gouging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The anti-price gouging measure, as written, would declare it an unfair or deceptive trade practice if a business charges a higher price than the average for a similar good or service within the same county. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, the intense cold conditions sparked additional fears among watchdog agencies of potential contractor fraud and price gouging from energy companies. Jessie Christopher Smith, Oklahoman, 27 Jan. 2026 Unfortunately, necessary protections like a robust independent testing office and strong measures to prevent price gouging by contractors have also been weakened, moves which could lead to overpriced weapons that don’t perform as advertised. William Hartung, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 As Paul Vaughn, a hotel pricing expert, explained, that doesn’t necessarily mean price gouging. Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for price gouging

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Price gouging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/price%20gouging. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster