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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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