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
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.
But moving from employee to entrepreneur came with sticker shock. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025 Americans accustomed to rising prices on all kinds of consumer goods are about to experience sticker shock in a corner of the economy that’s boomed over the past few years. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025 If the price of Jenner’s dress gave you sticker shock, fret not—there are tons of similar styles on the market that are just as cute and far more budget-friendly. Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 14 Apr. 2025 The Nintendo Switch 2’s price will bring sticker shock to fans. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sticker shock

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticker shock was in 1981

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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