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fair warning

noun

: enough warning to be able to avoid something bad
I'm giving you fair warning that you had better not discuss politics at dinner tonight.

Examples of fair warning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The polyester lining is plenty warm (a fair warning to people who, like me, have feet that sometimes run hot) for the cold days ahead this winter. Danielle Calma, Travel + Leisure, 15 Nov. 2025 Finally, fair warning: The trolley sleeve and exterior pouch look nearly identical, which has led to more than one unplanned drop test. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 15 Oct. 2025 But fair warning: every design element is a nod to A&M, its history and traditions. Kristen Tribe, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025 Coldplay is giving fans fair warning after their recent show exposed Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s alleged affair. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 July 2025 This is probably the most obscure English-language film and fair warning, this is one with a significantly lower audience score. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Iran struck back Monday with several missiles over Qatar where a large U.S. military base is located but gave fair warning to the U.S. before doing so, which prevented casualties, according to Trump. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 24 June 2025 There are oversize windows throughout the apartment, and dual exposures in both the primary and second bedroom (which, fair warning, is quite kid-size and appears to have been carved out of what was once the oversize living room). Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 June 2025 There’s also da Etta in Trastevere, the historic neighborhood beloved for its artsy ambiance which, fair warning, is not exactly unknown to tourists. Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair warning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair%20warning. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

fair warning

noun
: sufficient notification in a statute that particular conduct constitutes a crime see also void-for-vagueness doctrine
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