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Showing results for sticker shock. Search instead for Sticker+Shock.

sticker shock

American  

noun

  1. unpleasant surprise on learning of an unexpectedly high price for an item.


Etymology

Origin of sticker shock

sticker ( price ) + shock


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Electric bill sticker shock is common for customers of investor-owned utilities, but less so for municipally owned utilities such as DWP.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

Consumers are especially likely to feel the sticker shock when booking flights for busy travel days.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

They also are experiencing sticker shock when it comes to the cost of caring for those furry family members.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026

Premium sports franchises have spiked in value so rapidly that sticker shock is nil.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

The past year of travel has been defined by relentless sticker shock.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026

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