as in terrifying
causing fear
an alarming rise in her fever, causing the doctor to fear the worst
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also alaruming
1
as in frightening
to strike with fear
I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disturbing
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alarming
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
The alerts were triggered by the severe thunderstorm moving through the area, alarming some residents who were unaware the city’s siren system now also goes off when a severe weather warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alarming
Adjective
The Cubs — and specifically Dansby Swanson — keep driving in runs at an alarming rate.
—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Verb
The specific regulatory rollbacks Barr catalogs are alarming in their breadth.
—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
The alerts were triggered by the severe thunderstorm moving through the area, alarming some residents who were unaware the city’s siren system now also goes off when a severe weather warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alarming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarming
Adjective
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That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Verb
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Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
Verb
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The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
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The cream bronzer blends effortlessly underneath without disturbing the layers.
Adjective
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Authorities say the scary situation happened at the end of a ride on May 10.
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As a child life specialist, Hartz’s job is to make the hospital experience less scary.
Verb
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Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.
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Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
Verb
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This common form of anxiety arises when dogs are left alone for an amount of time, often worrying that they will permanently be left behind.
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Taken together, the actions signal a worrying return to a reality where people with disabilities are pushed to the margins of society, advocates said.
Adjective
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The Scottish lawyer was one of the smartest, most formidable specialists in the luxury business, with a reputation that carried internationally and a vast roll call of clients.
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With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters.
Verb
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Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.
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Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.
Cite this Entry
“Alarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarming. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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