false alarm
noun
1
: an alarm (such as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly
2
: something causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded
Examples of false alarm in a Sentence
A false alarm drew firefighters to the school.
The report that the factory would be closing was a false alarm.
He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a false alarm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Similar to the higher-end model from the brand, this camera was able to differentiate between people and other sources of movement, resulting in very few false alarms.
—
Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
In Wisconsin and across the country, schools and public figures have been subjected to the false alarm calls, which some research suggests have surged in the last few years.
—Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024
In addition to almost uncannily matching scientists’ models, the results come with a less than 0.4 percent chance of false alarm.
—Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
Outside of the aurora potential, the Space Weather Prediction Center has noted that the next few days may bring concerns like extra drag on satellites, intermittent GPS issues, power system voltage irregularities and false alarms, primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for false alarm 
Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
In Wisconsin and across the country, schools and public figures have been subjected to the false alarm calls, which some research suggests have surged in the last few years.
—Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024
In addition to almost uncannily matching scientists’ models, the results come with a less than 0.4 percent chance of false alarm.
—Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
Outside of the aurora potential, the Space Weather Prediction Center has noted that the next few days may bring concerns like extra drag on satellites, intermittent GPS issues, power system voltage irregularities and false alarms, primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for false alarm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'false alarm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“False alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20alarm. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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