1
2
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
noted that a sudden drop in a student's grades may be a tocsin of a serious personal problem
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 tocsin
Singer Building housed a sewing-machine company, but its slender campanile might have served to ring tocsins or watch for approaching armies.
—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
3 Aug. 2023
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Hudson Institute, and AEI have all been sounding the tocsin about Iran for decades.
—
Jacob Heilbrunn,
The New Republic,
23 Jan. 2020
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
3 Aug. 2023
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Hudson Institute, and AEI have all been sounding the tocsin about Iran for decades.
—
Jacob Heilbrunn,
The New Republic,
23 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tocsin
Noun
-
Tania Galloni, an attorney with Earthjustice, said advocates have received mixed signals from state officials regarding the future of the facility.
-
Lectra said sequins are up 40 percent and fringe 34 percent this spring and summer season—a signal that consumers crave escapism and individuality.
Noun
-
San Joaquin County officials have confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus this season, sparking warnings for residents to protect themselves and prepare their homes.
-
The only public indication of an impending launch was the release of a warning for pilots and sailors to steer clear of the rocket’s flight path.
Cite this Entry
“Tocsin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tocsin. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
