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
Quince has become an internet-famous go-to for gorgeous bedding basics that embody a ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic without the sticker shock, along with responsible sourcing, free shipping, and a generous 365-day return policy.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025
One headwind could be sticker shock.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
With all the sparkle of fine jewelry and none of the sticker shock, this bracelet is your new everyday flex.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Millions of Americans have already gotten sticker shock as open enrollment for 2026 began earlier this month.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025
One headwind could be sticker shock.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
With all the sparkle of fine jewelry and none of the sticker shock, this bracelet is your new everyday flex.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Millions of Americans have already gotten sticker shock as open enrollment for 2026 began earlier this month.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2025.
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