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
Some experts say consumers should brace for more sticker shock ahead — and higher inflation, which could limit the Fed's willingness to cut interest rates too much further in 2026.
—
Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Shoppers may be feeling sticker shock with the cost of beef at the grocery store.
—Ryan Baker, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025
There was some initial sticker shock when ticket packages costing as much as $3,400 went on sale, but since then there have been many more single-game and group options.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 3 Dec. 2025
Prepare for automotive sticker shock next year – again.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticker shock
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Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Shoppers may be feeling sticker shock with the cost of beef at the grocery store.
—Ryan Baker, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025
There was some initial sticker shock when ticket packages costing as much as $3,400 went on sale, but since then there have been many more single-game and group options.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 3 Dec. 2025
Prepare for automotive sticker shock next year – again.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 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 17 Dec. 2025.
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