alarm 1 of 2

variants also alarum
1
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
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
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
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
  • The warning was released on Monday at 1:51 p.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Monday at 1:53 p.m.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hayes said he’s had to take a leave of absence from his job over the fear of what might happen to his family.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The rare encounter highlights accelerating efforts by two longtime regional rivals to stabilize relations amid mounting fears of broader conflict, especially with tensions flaring across Gaza, Syria, and the Red Sea, as Washington's pressure grows on Iran's proxy in the Middle East.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Ant scare Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • That’s a major concern for media as advertisers review budgets.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An American Airlines flight was forced to turn back around after a disruptive passenger began to frighten other passengers on the way from New York to Milan on Tuesday, April 8, the airline said.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
    Zameena Mejia, Refinery29, 8 Apr. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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