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
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
The only 2026 trade coming close to recreating the shock value of last February was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of future Hall of Famer James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for all-star point guard Darius Garland.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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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
The only 2026 trade coming close to recreating the shock value of last February was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of future Hall of Famer James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for all-star point guard Darius Garland.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
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
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 20 Feb. 2026.
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