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
Discussing Film: Another Simple Favor has some truly hilarious moments between Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, but makes some incredibly bizarre story decisions for the sake of cheap shock value.
—
William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, while The Substance got off to an intriguing start, the majority of the film and especially its goofy ending was mostly cheap shock value and amateurish satire built on the flimsiest premise imaginable.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Democrat Peggy Houston-Nienaber, who is running against Roberts to represent northern Boone County, previously told The Enquirer her opponent used Rittenhouse's support at a fundraiser for shock value.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 10 Oct. 2024
And thank goodness, because again, this was the shock value of this and the surprise fear factor was the hardest part to get through.
—Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock value
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William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, while The Substance got off to an intriguing start, the majority of the film and especially its goofy ending was mostly cheap shock value and amateurish satire built on the flimsiest premise imaginable.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Democrat Peggy Houston-Nienaber, who is running against Roberts to represent northern Boone County, previously told The Enquirer her opponent used Rittenhouse's support at a fundraiser for shock value.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 10 Oct. 2024
And thank goodness, because again, this was the shock value of this and the surprise fear factor was the hardest part to get through.
—Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Jan. 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 11 Jun. 2025.
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