false alarm
noun
1
: an alarm (such as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly
2
: something causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded
Examples of false alarm in a Sentence
A false alarm drew firefighters to the school.
The report that the factory would be closing was a false alarm.
He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a false alarm.
Recent Examples on the Web
And ultimately, all of this was a false alarm.
—
Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
All turned out to be false alarms, but not before causing widespread disruption and fear.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Ragan said systems such as Omnilert’s are subject to false alarms that could lead to negative interactions between students and the law enforcement that are called to respond.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
In some cases the false alarms were triggered by such things as changing lanes without using a turn signal and looking over their shoulder, thus taking their eyes off the road ahead.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false alarm
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.
Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
All turned out to be false alarms, but not before causing widespread disruption and fear.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Ragan said systems such as Omnilert’s are subject to false alarms that could lead to negative interactions between students and the law enforcement that are called to respond.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
In some cases the false alarms were triggered by such things as changing lanes without using a turn signal and looking over their shoulder, thus taking their eyes off the road ahead.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false alarm
Cite this Entry
“False alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20alarm. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share