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.
Workers expecting sticky inflation will ask for steeper pay raises to get ahead of any sticker shock. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 While rising prices at the pump and grocery checkout might give you sticker shock, home prices — especially for middle-income buyers in South Florida — could remain high, at least for now. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Governments are also bracing for sticker shock as $1-a-year pilot deals expire. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Americans traveling for the holidays this year could face sticker shock as high jet fuel costs stemming from the Iran war drive up domestic airfares, according to a new forecast. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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