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
None of this is presented for pure shock value.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026
In other words, spring 2026’s haircut trends favor nuance over shock value.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
And when the film does dare to venture beyond shock value, the potential is staggering.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
But unlike the dark-romance trope in novels and fanfiction, which centers on taboo relationships and morally gray characters, these looks are less about shock value and more about heightened emotion.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026
In other words, spring 2026’s haircut trends favor nuance over shock value.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
And when the film does dare to venture beyond shock value, the potential is staggering.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
But unlike the dark-romance trope in novels and fanfiction, which centers on taboo relationships and morally gray characters, these looks are less about shock value and more about heightened emotion.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 10 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 2026.
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