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
Recent Examples on the Web
Obviously, the brothers’ relationship isn’t just for shock value.
—
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
Its reactive nature often rewards engagement, whether through shock value, humor, or outrage over reflection or empathy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
While games like Dante’s Inferno stick too closely to their inspiration, recreating a myth through an even darker lens (one that also featured unnecessary nudity for shock value), any release that pushed for new ideas had to contend with the God of War shadow cast upon it.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
The strategy, as well as the sheer shock value of the slaps, has produced impressive social media statistics for Power Slap and solid viewership numbers on Rumble.
—Matt Craig, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
Its reactive nature often rewards engagement, whether through shock value, humor, or outrage over reflection or empathy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
While games like Dante’s Inferno stick too closely to their inspiration, recreating a myth through an even darker lens (one that also featured unnecessary nudity for shock value), any release that pushed for new ideas had to contend with the God of War shadow cast upon it.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
The strategy, as well as the sheer shock value of the slaps, has produced impressive social media statistics for Power Slap and solid viewership numbers on Rumble.
—Matt Craig, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock value
Cite this Entry
“Shock value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20value. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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