1
as in caution
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
she delivered a strict warning that anyone who was caught stealing would be fired
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in sign
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the ominously darkening sky was a warning that a tornado was approaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in cautionary
serving as or offering a warning
usually gave her trademark warning look when the children were getting out of hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in alerting
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk
the lifeguard warned the boys that if they continued playing so rough, someone was sure to get hurt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 warning
Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Upon the federal indictments of Nelson, Lansky and Clarke-Pounder, Bondi said the arrests should be a warning to others who might commit violent attacks.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Scott Sonner, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.
—Andrew Whitby, Time, 17 Apr. 2020
Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Even the mainstream media is warning users away from RCS, leaving Google with some thinking to do.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for warning
Noun
And while the firings of three coaches at the end of last season could be interpreted as a warning shot to Hyde, Elias surely knows the responsibility for the team’s current shortcomings falls more on him than his manager.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Upon the federal indictments of Nelson, Lansky and Clarke-Pounder, Bondi said the arrests should be a warning to others who might commit violent attacks.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.
—Scott Sonner, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.
—Andrew Whitby, Time, 17 Apr. 2020
Verb
Your local television forecast, weather App, and warning information depends on government satellites, radars, models, observations, and personnel.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Even the mainstream media is warning users away from RCS, leaving Google with some thinking to do.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for warning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warning
Noun
-
Larson led 411 of 500 laps during a race that had just one natural caution.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Our only word of caution: Those memories and videos live on.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And where the signs of new beginnings are evident everywhere.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Dark Cherry Getty Images Getty Images Cherry cola hair has been on the come-up since fall 2023, and the trend—or some version of dark cherry or burgundy hair—shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.—
Avery Stone,
Allure,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Others chalk up social trends such as learning to play the harmonica or wearing more brown clothing as forewarnings of a financial downturn on the horizon.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2025
-
But a little forewarning: If Denver loses this weekend and the Wild sign Buium soon after, don’t expect Buium to immediately get games if the Wild’s playoff spot or positioning isn’t locked and their blue line is healthy.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
State police said the driver later allegedly blew through a red light at the intersection of Kelly Road and Route 83 before continuing north on Route 83, the warrant affidavits said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Bosworth reveals that she's been obsessed with red light therapy and has gotten her husband into the trend.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
And while the formal rules on travel have relaxed, the admonitory official language is unchanged.—
John Liu,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2023
-
Satire has always had an admonitory function, and besides, some people are so obnoxious that a writer has to slow-walk the reader through their awfulness.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2022
Verb
-
Palace put a message out on their social media page advising the issue had been fixed around 35 minutes after tickets went on sale.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Despite this being the lowest classification, health officials are still advising consumers to take precautions.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Get security alerts & expert tech tips – sign up for Kurt’s ‘The CyberGuy Report’ now.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The alert, relayed by the National Weather Service, warns that weather conditions are conducive to producing high levels of ozone pollution, prompting officials to advise millions to take specific measures that can reduce emissions—including avoiding drive-thru lanes.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Another easy indicator or red flag to watch for is whether the message was part of a group text or sent to other people.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Saturday’s practice session had faced two red flags due to fires near the track.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Warning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warning. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share