shock value

noun

: usefulness to surprise and usually upset people
He uses offensive language for (its) shock value.

Examples of shock value in a Sentence

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This is yet another movie that aims rather clumsily for shock value by dwelling on consumption and meat, like many a grisly eating-disorder horror opus of late. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026 Unlike with other far-right groups that seek out confrontation or to counterprotest, Patriot Front’s activities appear designed entirely for shock value and to create moments that are widely viewed online—the images are the point. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The scene isn’t excessively played for shock value or tragedy. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 That’s probably why this story feels too much like the work of an unpolished youth, full of shock value and peaks with few valleys of nuance. — Charles Lewis Iii, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shock value

Rhymes for shock value

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Browse Nearby Words

shock tube
shock value
shock wave
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Cite this Entry

“Shock value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20value. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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