alarm 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈlärm How to pronounce alarm (audio)
variants also alarum
Definition of alarmnext
1
as in apprehension
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune observed with alarm the man staggering toward the edge of the cliff

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alarm

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alarm distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of alarm are dread, fear, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When is dread a more appropriate choice than alarm?

The words dread and alarm can be used in similar contexts, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When can fear be used instead of alarm?

While the synonyms fear and alarm are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When might fright be a better fit than alarm?

The synonyms fright and alarm are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to alarm?

In some situations, the words panic and alarm are roughly equivalent. However, panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

When would terror be a good substitute for alarm?

The meanings of terror and alarm largely overlap; however, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of alarm?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alarm
Noun
Users have also complained about alarm issues on iPhones. — Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025 Simply pull the pin, and the alarm will emit a blaring siren with a flashing strobe light that will stop once the pin is re-inserted. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
On Where International Students Choose To Study Education organizations are alarmed by the Trump administration’s actions and are concerned about their impact on international students’ decisions on where to attend school. — Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The show's creators insist the narrative is fictional—but heavily inspired by alarming real-life trends. — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
  1. apprehension
  2. warning
  3. fear
  4. scare
  5. worry
  6. concern
  7. frighten
  8. dismay
Noun
  • Understandably, the team felt a degree of apprehension due to the focus on acquiring new clients in an unfamiliar market, which marked a departure from our traditional operations.
    — Lori Huss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Shalamar Samuels Shalamar Samuel’s decision to cut her hair was a mix of excitement and apprehension.
    — Celeste Polanco, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of apprehension
Noun
  • Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Mysterious folders have appeared on PCs along with dire warnings.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of warning
Noun
  • Orr’s study also found that even as silence about climate change can spiral into deeper fears of speaking out, speaking about the issue can drive a spiral toward further discussion and action — and that individual conversations can play a surprisingly large role.
    — Saul Elbein, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Creating a culture of fear by persecuting unpopular individuals and groups?
    — Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of fear
Verb
  • The Missouri product is a solid route-runner with sure hands, but there are some off-field concerns that could scare teams away.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Trump administration arbitrarily revokes and denies student visas, and xenophobic rhetoric scares away potential foreigners, agencies specializing in recruiting students from abroad are facing a sharp downturn.
    — Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of scare
Verb
  • Victims of car collisions may have more to worry about as insurance companies warn drivers to be aware of a growing scam involving tow truck companies.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Critics worry that other anti-democratic actors will be taking cues from Bukele to curry favor with this particular president.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of worry
Noun
  • That’s a major concern for media as advertisers review budgets.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Now, in the case of the United States, there’s no concern whatsoever with what anybody thinks on the outside.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concern
Verb
  • Two years ago, several small-business owners testified to a legislative committee that Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiffs’ lawyers filed spurious complaints, alleging what appeared to be a random list of violations in an attempt to frighten and intimidate the business owner.
    — Mark Hillman, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This has hallmarks of emotional abuse – non-physical behaviors meant to isolate, control and frighten.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of frighten
Verb
  • If he was dismayed by a team-mate or disappointed by a performance, the hands-on-hips thousand-yard stare was inescapable.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But the situation is dismaying corporate America, investors and pretty much anyone who owns stocks.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of dismay

Browse Nearby Words

à la mode
alarm
alarm clock
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Cite this Entry

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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