alarm 1 of 2

variants also alarum
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2
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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
An alarm bell can also be heard in the marker of the temporary-help industry, which fell by 9,800 in August. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 Dark Blue O’Donnell is sounding the alarm on dark blue. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
China's nuclear arsenal has especially alarmed Washington and its allies. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 The tackling was alarming enough that the Broncos were practicing on Monday with live tackles, something that’s not seen too often once the season starts. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
  • Arresting one person at large can take days or weeks of planning and requires a dozen or so federal police on site to make that apprehension.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The lower multiple reflects investor apprehension surrounding BP’s strategic transitions and mixed earnings.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Graphic videos of both atrocities spread quickly and widely online this week, appearing in people's social media feeds, often with little-to-no warning.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Qatar also boasts one of the most advanced early warning radar systems in the region, coupled with Patriot air defense missile system.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mothers told Fletcher of sending their children to live elsewhere for fear they will be raped in the displacement camps, a constant worry.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The stock is still benefiting from having been dismissed and cheapened by prior fears of its search franchise being disrupted.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Just enough time to snap some selfies and scare your housemates.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Their offense, outside their all-world quarterback, doesn’t scare anybody, not without Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury), and with Travis Kelce in Year 13.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Wildfire worries With the worsening drought comes worries over wildfires.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The airline's fall from grace should worry anyone with loyalty to the brand.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The vote to approve Miran’s nomination passed 48-47, along party lines, with Democrats expressing concern about the appointment impacting the central bank’s independence.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Motiva is helping to eliminate this concern.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2025.

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