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
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
Lit Faux Red Berry Branch Adding a decorative and seasonal accent to your autumnal decor lineup is less of a sticker shock this year thanks to a nearly half-off faux red berry branch that lights up yet looks deceptively real.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025
San Diego renters are no strangers to high prices, but a new Serra Mesa complex might cause sticker shock.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
That simplifies the process for fans, but probably doesn’t alleviate the sticker shock.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Lit Faux Red Berry Branch Adding a decorative and seasonal accent to your autumnal decor lineup is less of a sticker shock this year thanks to a nearly half-off faux red berry branch that lights up yet looks deceptively real.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025
San Diego renters are no strangers to high prices, but a new Serra Mesa complex might cause sticker shock.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
That simplifies the process for fans, but probably doesn’t alleviate the sticker shock.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 8 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 1 Oct. 2025.
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