WAKE-UP CALLS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

wake-up calls

noun

plural of wake-up call

as in warnings

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

all clears

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wake-up calls

Noun

The bombers were moved abruptly in response to multiple streams of intelligence warnings, including a threat that the aircraft could be hit in a swarm drone attack similar to one Ukraine launched against Russia in June 2025.

— Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
That said, heed any and all warnings to wait for a guide or staff member to take you to your tent when there's been an animal in the camp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of warnings

Noun

In either case, there’s a period of normalcy, followed by red flags and denial after which all hell clearly breaks loose.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Extreme stress, impatience, or intoxication are major red flags that can lead to negative experiences or removal from flights.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of red flags

Noun

In one alarming incident, Nistorescu said Linton allegedly slapped a woman and drove through red lights at speeds of 100 miles per hour while off her medication.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
The report only lightly addressed cameras used to enforce red lights and speeding.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of red lights

Noun

Russia invaded its neighbor more than 4 ½ years ago, and there are no concrete signs that a peace settlement might be possible.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Marylanders could be forgiven for believing the tide is running in favor of gerrymandering, but there are encouraging signs that the worst is over, and a better approach can prevail.

— Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of signs

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.

Browse Nearby Words

wake-up call

wake-up calls

waking

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Style

“Wake-up calls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wake-up%20calls. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of wake-up calls

noun

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