alarm 1 of 2

variants also alarum
1
2
3

alarm

2 of 2

verb

variants also alarum
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alarm distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of alarm are dread, fear, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When is dread a more appropriate choice than alarm?

The words dread and alarm can be used in similar contexts, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When can fear be used instead of alarm?

While the synonyms fear and alarm are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When might fright be a better fit than alarm?

The synonyms fright and alarm are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to alarm?

In some situations, the words panic and alarm are roughly equivalent. However, panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

When would terror be a good substitute for alarm?

The meanings of terror and alarm largely overlap; however, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of alarm?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

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 alarm
Noun
That image alone should set off alarms. Aron Solomon september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 From Friday bedtime until Monday alarm, no phone at all. Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Chen Yixin, the Chinese minister of state security who has alarmed the West with his large-scale espionage offensive, promised his Cuban counterpart to increase intelligence sharing and security cooperation during a meeting in Beijing. Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025 Unsurprisingly, this has triggered headline warnings (1,2) that will alarm millions of users. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
  • The assistance could include seeking the apprehension of individuals believed to be unlawfully present in the United States.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • There could be similar apprehension to 2007 and 2008 if the Mets do not do enough between Sunday and the last weekend to secure a playoff berth.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The shocking attack at Minneapolis’ Annunciation Church again raises familiar questions and fears about safety in houses of worship.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • According to Bautch, several neighbors have expressed fear of the merger, sharing concerns that the resources Clarke Square neighbors currently receive through CSNI will dwindle if the neighborhood is integrated under VIA CDC’s umbrella.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Loud motors can scare silver carp into jumping up to 5 feet in the air, sometimes leaving recreational boaters with bloody noses, black eyes and bruises.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
  • With school starting and families focused on back-to-school expenses, the cost of an ER visit may feel just as scary as the health scare itself.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Not knowing much about the condition, Mares-Sedillo worried that her face would be permanently altered.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The condition's most severe symptoms are sensitivities to spices, salt, and sweets, which means there's no reason to worry about a geographic tongue diagnosis.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since the Butler County Jail began detaining people for ICE in March, some residents and immigration advocates have voiced concerns about people being detained at the jail for civil immigration violations.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
  • After getting a copy of the letter from Reeds to Boyd mentioning his deputy this year, Bouchard doubled down on the concern.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Judy Hernandez’ husband Raul, a co-founder of the community group the Resurrection Project, dismissed those plans as a political stunt geared to create fear and frighten Spanish-speaking people.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Many of us are conditioned to think that our ultimate goal in life is to be with someone, so much so, that the mere thought of being alone frightens us.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Readers and subscribers immediately expressed outrage and dismay at the firings, one person familiar with the complaints told Semafor.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Residents were dismayed by drama unfolding at city hall and antsy for change.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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