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 on Timberwolves’ season tickets for the 2026-27 campaign was a little more drastic than originally thought for many when renewals were sent out Wednesday.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
For example, consumers have faced sticker shock for beef and veal prices, which were up 16% year over year in December.
—Greg Iacurci,jessica Dickler, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
These weren’t impulse buys but strategic upgrades that came together into a capsule wardrobe without the usual sticker shock.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Americans have been facing sticker shock when opening their electricity bills, as the tech industry rapidly builds data centers and other infrastructure to power AI systems across the United States.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
For example, consumers have faced sticker shock for beef and veal prices, which were up 16% year over year in December.
—Greg Iacurci,jessica Dickler, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
These weren’t impulse buys but strategic upgrades that came together into a capsule wardrobe without the usual sticker shock.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Americans have been facing sticker shock when opening their electricity bills, as the tech industry rapidly builds data centers and other infrastructure to power AI systems across the United States.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
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 3 Feb. 2026.
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