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
So this is an objectively expensive gaming device, but there’s no sticker shock here—the Steam Machine is the same kind of expensive as every other computer in 2026.
—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
22 June 2026
Even if oil and other core necessities such as fertilizer begin flowing from the Middle East again, experts warn that the sticker shock will likely outlast the fighting.
—
Michelle Chapman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Some changes could arrive over the summer months, but many are looking at the iPhone 18 Pro launch in September and the potential sticker shock for consumers.
—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Yet readers aren’t imagining the sticker shock.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
22 June 2026
Even if oil and other core necessities such as fertilizer begin flowing from the Middle East again, experts warn that the sticker shock will likely outlast the fighting.
—
Michelle Chapman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Some changes could arrive over the summer months, but many are looking at the iPhone 18 Pro launch in September and the potential sticker shock for consumers.
—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Yet readers aren’t imagining the sticker shock.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
14 June 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 25 Jun. 2026.
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