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
Despite alarm bells ringing for years, and even more loudly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the continent's leaders have still struggled to summon the political clout to significantly boost military spending. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 Now, the very people who calculate financial risk—actuaries—are sounding the alarm. Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
No Ukrainian officials were invited and the sudden thaw in relations between Washington and Moscow has alarmed European allies. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Bridges is also alarmed by rising interest by companies like Microsoft in reopening nuclear power plants to feed power to data centers. Calmatters, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
  • The total, which may still be adjusted when the data are published, would mark the lowest monthly apprehensions since fiscal year 2000, the earliest period with publicly available monthly data.
    Laura Doan, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The skepticism has spread to the world of the creator economy, where AI has been met with apprehension.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Heeding several tornado warnings from the National Weather Service that pinged on their cell phones just after 8:30 a.m., the unnamed couple quickly sought shelter in a safe room in a corner of their home, county officials said.
    Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Ultimately, Sweden was granted an exemption from the ban in exchange for stricter warning labels.
    Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This fear is a type of anxiety disorder most common in people between the ages of 17 and 34.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, a bear barged into a bakery in Avon, scared employees and helped itself to 60 cupcakes before ambling away.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in South Florida claims that that state and federal anti-LGBTQ policies have siphoned off the institution’s operating budget and scared off corporate investors, leaving the museum in financial peril.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • How to Get Around With most of Grenada's hotels and resorts clustered around areas like Grand Anse Beach and St. George's, many visitors won't need to worry about transportation for most of their trip.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Immigrants worry about what happens next Without her, and with ongoing threats togovernment health care programs, Julia worries her clients would be left uncared for.
    Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Are there like-minded employees or managers who share your concerns?
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Clearly, an allegation of this magnitude is incredibly disturbing and causes concerns about the safety of the children in our school community.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the streets, conservative protesters, frightened that the left could win the next election, have rallied to Yoon.
    ROBERT E. KELLY, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2025
  • That frightened stray kitten forgot her fears and moved up on that ball of paper and batted it across the floor and then batted it again.
    Carole Wendt, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Editors’ Picks Your Questions About Fentanyl, Answered Some federal officials who oversee grants said they were particularly dismayed by a question asking grantees to disavow associations with communist entities.
    Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • While some enjoyed the New Orleans vibe, others were dismayed that a basketball player could garner so much hype with their track.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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