alarm 1 of 2

variants also alarum
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2
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alarm

2 of 2

verb

variants also alarum
1
2

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
How To Respond In most cases, the appearance of sap is not a cause for alarm. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025 The alarms that went unheard in the past are now blaring across the country. Josiah Bates, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Union leaders are also alarmed by new regulations announced Tuesday that increase the minimum number of workers required to form a union from 20 to 50, and raise the maximum number of unions per factory from three to five. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 European leaders, alarmed at the rise in airspace incursions and the security threat that drones pose, proposed building a drone wall to protect the region’s eastern flank against potential attacks and incursions. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
  • When Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw noted apprehension by some that the Ellisons are in league with the president and MAGA on a certain media track, the Par CEO swatted the topic away decisively.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But Collier said no one else was inside at the time of his apprehension.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Here there’s no warning, no provocation.
    Geraldo Cadava, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The interlocking deals also have boosted fears of a bubble in AI spending, particularly as many of these partnerships involve OpenAI, a fast-growing but unprofitable business.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Sometimes, a long pause in stalking behavior is a tactic designed to create more fear by allowing the victim to drop their guard before restarting the behavior, said Aims Babich, director of survivor services at SafeHouse Denver, an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Although Fish Hut Grill typically has a line out its door, don't let that scare you away.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • One great line to defend against and three others that won’t scare opposing head coaches.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Don’t worry, all items are incredibly versatile, like sleek sneakers, cozy cardigans, and matching sets—plus, prices start at a budget-friendly $12.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Another part worried that the flavor of my favorite childhood dish would taste too much like comfort—and comfort, right now, feels like betrayal as so many Palestinians in Gaza go hungry.
    Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brewers under pressure to create pressure For Dodgers officials, a primary concern in facing the Brewers revolved around Milwaukee’s speed.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • If squirrels are a concern, attach wire mesh over top of the container.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like the Earth sign, the righteous dog detective Scooby doesn't appreciate confrontation and gets frightened in scary situations.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Lina sniffs, stamps her feet in the snow to make her own set of giant prints to frighten this creature.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Microsoft had recently acquired Skype and already owned Xbox, and she was dismayed by how toxic the messaging systems were.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Speaking specifically about those spreading transphobic views online, Ellis-Bextor said she was dismayed at the fervor with which many of them spoke.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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