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
While folks all over the country try to fry all kinds of thing for shock value, these 10 Southern classics are better than anything out there.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025
Though in terms of shock value, that one is nothing compared to the story's main, big reveal, which plays out in the show's finale.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 June 2025
Today, learning that a restaurant calls itself farm-to-table holds about as much shock value as hearing my server explain that everything at said restaurant is meant to be enjoyed family style.
—Oset Babür-Winter, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Regardless, the shock value of these protests is real.
—Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025
Though in terms of shock value, that one is nothing compared to the story's main, big reveal, which plays out in the show's finale.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 June 2025
Today, learning that a restaurant calls itself farm-to-table holds about as much shock value as hearing my server explain that everything at said restaurant is meant to be enjoyed family style.
—Oset Babür-Winter, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Regardless, the shock value of these protests is real.
—Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
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 19 Aug. 2025.
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