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
The only 2026 trade coming close to recreating the shock value of last February was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of future Hall of Famer James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for all-star point guard Darius Garland.
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Scott Phillips, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
However brutal the actual violence is in this show, the violence often serves a purpose beyond shock value.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
His open marriage and affair with a student challenge social norms, reflecting Uranian rebellion and shock value.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
These songs smartly aim much higher than mere shock value, and that makes the humor all the deeper.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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Scott Phillips, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
However brutal the actual violence is in this show, the violence often serves a purpose beyond shock value.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
His open marriage and affair with a student challenge social norms, reflecting Uranian rebellion and shock value.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
These songs smartly aim much higher than mere shock value, and that makes the humor all the deeper.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.
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