variants
also alarum
1
as in apprehension
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
observed with alarm the man staggering toward the edge of the cliff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
in a daring midnight ride Paul Revere gave the alarm that British troops were approaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
filled with alarm when the flood waters reached their front steps
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also alarum
1
as in to scare
to strike with fear
I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to worry
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of alarm
Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
About a month before the EUC launched Keep California Rolling, a local initiative titled Stay in LA began ringing the alarm bells on the massive decline in the city’s active physical production, led by some of the industry’s biggest stars as well as top film and TV writers and producers.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Locals were alarmed when Polis made the state park announcement, fearing the relatively small 488-acre park would be overrun by outsiders.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alarm
Noun
The Kelly Senior Center in Cudahy needs approximately $2.5 million in capital repairs and maintenance, according to the release, including HVAC system renewal, window and door replacements, flooring remediation, electrical work, fire and safety alarms and more.
—Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
About a month before the EUC launched Keep California Rolling, a local initiative titled Stay in LA began ringing the alarm bells on the massive decline in the city’s active physical production, led by some of the industry’s biggest stars as well as top film and TV writers and producers.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Cruise lines often use codes on board to communicate different kinds of emergencies to thew crew without alarming passengers.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Locals were alarmed when Polis made the state park announcement, fearing the relatively small 488-acre park would be overrun by outsiders.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
-
Coello Perozo faces a misdemeanor charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine if he’s convicted.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Of those apprehended, more than 2,500 were individuals at-large, while over 5,400 apprehensions occurred at or near the point of entry.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly 20 years later, as storms grow stronger and climate disasters are becoming more frequent, Honoré says the lessons of Hurricane Katrina remain urgent: Local leaders fail, warnings can be too late, and people without resources are often left behind.—
Reena Advani,
NPR,
25 Aug. 2025
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Preventing famine through monitoring, early warning and early response to potential and emerging food and nutrition crises is paramount.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Shifting toward the ideals of a 2.0 World, Crone hopes that the human default state of limitation, fear, and suffering will become oriented toward freedom, love, and boundless possibility.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Washington said the federal takeover in Washington has sparked fear, particularly among people who plan to visit the District next month for the Congressional Black Caucus’ annual conference.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Independent mobility options are scare in rapidly urbanizing areas.—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Today he’s frustrated by false rumors about immigration enforcement at the mall that are scaring many would-be customers.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Several worry about friends and families overseas amid latest peace talks.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The researchers believe this could be the nature of the emotion, where participants who were worried potentially had more deeper, long-term concerns that a stimulant like caffeine may not affect.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Borowsky fiercely opposed the expansion, citing concerns over the aesthetics of a parking garage in Old Town and how its construction would disrupt and potentially permanently displace the Old Town Farmers Market.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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Should churches endorse politicians? Erickson's concerns with Barker's endorsement go beyond legal reasons.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
His youngest, frightened by Ahmed’s bandaged face, fears him deeply.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
28 Aug. 2025
-
None of the practical considerations frightened me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Gilbert was dismayed to lose the chance to build a case over time.—
Tony Schick,
ProPublica,
14 Aug. 2025
-
With a six-game deficit in the American League wild card hunt entering play on Monday, the Angels may be only a few series away from repeating their dismaying playbook from 2023.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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