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 thank goodness, because again, this was the shock value of this and the surprise fear factor was the hardest part to get through.
—
Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
The early critical response has hovered north of the 90th percentile in favorability, though some reviewers argue the filmmakers have gone too narrow-focus on sheer authenticity, not to say shock value.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
The type of test results that have been shared, meanwhile, have succeeded in delivering greater shock value.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The White House is after something more than just shock value.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock value
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
The early critical response has hovered north of the 90th percentile in favorability, though some reviewers argue the filmmakers have gone too narrow-focus on sheer authenticity, not to say shock value.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
The type of test results that have been shared, meanwhile, have succeeded in delivering greater shock value.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The White House is after something more than just shock value.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share