sticker shock
noun
: astonishment and dismay experienced on being informed of a product's unexpectedly high price
Examples of sticker shock in a Sentence
We left the store suffering severe sticker shock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Airport concessions have long been subject to sticker shock, so the newest fees are an extension of that.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
There will still be sticker shock for those trying to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland on the busiest days of the year.
—Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
That risks people getting sticker shock and deciding to drop their coverage.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Oct. 2025
The sticker shock will help restore a functioning insurance market, as consumers begin demanding affordable 'true insurance' that covers only insurable events and a consumer-friendly regulatory environment that fosters competitive, innovative plans people genuinely need and want.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
There will still be sticker shock for those trying to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland on the busiest days of the year.
—Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
That risks people getting sticker shock and deciding to drop their coverage.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Oct. 2025
The sticker shock will help restore a functioning insurance market, as consumers begin demanding affordable 'true insurance' that covers only insurable events and a consumer-friendly regulatory environment that fosters competitive, innovative plans people genuinely need and want.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
Cite this Entry
“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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