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
Yes, his cruelty lost its shock value over time, but his motivations always tracked.
—
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Low-rise jeans are making a comeback, and this time around, the trend is less about shock value and more about comfort, body proportions and personal flare.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 18 May 2026
Her book never dips into trauma for shock value alone.
—The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
By setting the season on a fictional hot sauce company’s cabin retreat, the show was able to expand its scale while maintaining the necessary shock value.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Low-rise jeans are making a comeback, and this time around, the trend is less about shock value and more about comfort, body proportions and personal flare.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 18 May 2026
Her book never dips into trauma for shock value alone.
—The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
By setting the season on a fictional hot sauce company’s cabin retreat, the show was able to expand its scale while maintaining the necessary shock value.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 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 30 May. 2026.
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