shock value
noun
: usefulness to surprise and usually upset people
He uses offensive language for (its) shock value.
Examples of shock value in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However brutal the actual violence is in this show, the violence often serves a purpose beyond shock value.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
His open marriage and affair with a student challenge social norms, reflecting Uranian rebellion and shock value.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
These songs smartly aim much higher than mere shock value, and that makes the humor all the deeper.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Whether driven by indulgence, health fads or shock value, these six trends reported by Fox News Digital stood out as some of the strangest and most talked-about bites and beverages of the year.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
His open marriage and affair with a student challenge social norms, reflecting Uranian rebellion and shock value.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
These songs smartly aim much higher than mere shock value, and that makes the humor all the deeper.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Whether driven by indulgence, health fads or shock value, these six trends reported by Fox News Digital stood out as some of the strangest and most talked-about bites and beverages of the year.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock value
Cite this Entry
“Shock value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20value. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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