1
as in signal
an object intended to give public notice or warning the tocsin rang out, warning us of the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 tocsin Singer Building housed a sewing-machine company, but its slender campanile might have served to ring tocsins or watch for approaching armies. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 Aug. 2023 The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Hudson Institute, and AEI have all been sounding the tocsin about Iran for decades. Jacob Heilbrunn, The New Republic, 23 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tocsin
Noun
  • The victories are seen by many analysts and political figures as a signal that Democrats have regained momentum after losses in the 2024 election cycle—while some Republican voices warn of growing disconnection from core voters.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • His remarks come as China sends new signals on its crypto ambitions.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The impact of the storm was worsened by clogged waterways in an already flood-prone area, and an apparent lack of understanding of early warnings, Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator for the Philippines Office of Civil Defense told local media.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tocsin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tocsin. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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