tocsins

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

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2
as in red flags
something that tells of approaching danger or risk noted that a sudden drop in a student's grades may be a tocsin of a serious personal problem

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tocsins
Noun
  • Doctors would infuse a virus into her son's ears carrying a gene for a protein called otoferlin, which Travis was missing, hopefully restoring the ability of his brain to receive signals from his ears.
    Rob Stein, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
  • This protein plays a role in transmitting pulses from cochlear cells within the ear to nearby nerves, which carry the signals on to the brain.
    Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Other red flags that indicate a partner may kill include unemployment, substance use, problematic drinking, controlling or jealous behavior, abuse during pregnancy, rape and prior threats of suicide or with weapons.
    Kathryn Spearman, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But documents released by the government in March, after being forced to by Parliament, showed Starmer ignored red flags raised by his staff about the appointment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Despite those warnings, the lawsuit claims Illinois State University continued the practice.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • And that was supposed to be one of the Game 2 warnings.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Swapping your bedside lighting also makes a difference — dim red lights are less likely to shift circadian rhythms than white or blue light and make a better nighttime alternative.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The suspect drove through several red lights while officers trailed behind in the Westchester, Inglewood and South LA neighborhoods.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But there are already signs that her expulsion would have some bipartisan support.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Markets, meanwhile, showed signs of fatigue.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Tocsins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tocsins. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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