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
For those who have looked at their options starting in January, the experience likely delivered sticker shock—consumers who previously benefited from the tax credit have seen their costs jump by an average of 114 percent—but with some being hit much worse.
—
David Merritt, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Families already faced sticker shock over premium increases without the enhanced tax credits, Matsui said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Sarah Volpenhein explains why Wisconsinites shopping for Obamacare are in for some sticker shock.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
And, as other markets have learned in the last few weeks, be prepared for sticker shock.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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David Merritt, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Families already faced sticker shock over premium increases without the enhanced tax credits, Matsui said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Sarah Volpenhein explains why Wisconsinites shopping for Obamacare are in for some sticker shock.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
And, as other markets have learned in the last few weeks, be prepared for sticker shock.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 3 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 19 Nov. 2025.
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