WAKE-UP CALL Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

wake-up call

noun

Definition of wake-up call

as in warning

something that tells of approaching danger or risk his high blood pressure was a wake-up call that he needed to do something about his health

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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 wake-up call The rising autism numbers presented by our CDC should be a wake-up call — there are a lot of us, and what’s truly increasing is the cost of ignoring our needs. — John Elder Robison, STAT, 23 Mar. 2023 The persistence of that finding should be a wake-up call for employers already battling high turnover and labor shortages. — Wire Services, Dallas News, 22 Mar. 2023 Those efforts show the pandemic has been a wake-up call, Horowitz said. — Rachel Scott, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2023 Texas is on an entirely different level than those teams and had a bit of a wake-up call against Penn State. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for wake-up call

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wake-up call

Noun

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
An evacuation warning means a potential threat to life and/or property, and those who require time to evacuate were urged to leave ahead of any mandatory evacuation order.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of warning

Noun

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, 12 July 2026
Your doctor will also ask you about potential red flags that something more serious may be going on, such as red or black stool or unintentional weight loss.

— Sarah Klein, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of red flag

Noun

This is the first sign of the kind of tomfoolery Luke has in store for the night.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
The bright blue sign reading ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ outside the silver chain-link gate at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport has been removed.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of sign

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wake (up)

wake-up call

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“Wake-up call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wake-up%20call. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of wake-up call

noun

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