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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This cheerful floral top gives me the same playful energy as Farm Rio, just without the sticker shock. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 Following a slow day of transactions and inactivity on Saturday, Zoll’s group experienced sticker shock on Sunday as sellers across the league sought high paydays for their relievers. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Writing for Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman takes a closer look at the upcoming price rises and one approach Apple is taking to sidestep the initial sticker shock. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Experts have pointed to loyalty programs as one factor supporting the travel industry in a moment when many consumers are experiencing sticker shock with cash prices. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sticker shock

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticker shock was in 1981

Rhymes for sticker shock

See All Rhymes for sticker shock

Browse Nearby Words

sticker price
sticker shock
sticker-up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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