warning 1 of 3

Definition of warningnext

warning

2 of 3

adjective

as in cautionary
serving as or offering a warning usually gave her trademark warning look when the children were getting out of hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

warning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of warn

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 warning
Noun
Explanation of a severe weather watch and a severe weather warning when issued by the National Weather Service. Vytas Reid, CBS News, 4 May 2026 Also remain aware of and heed warnings issued by local officials. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Adjective
The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations. Scott Sonner, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021 In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases. Andrew Whitby, Time, 17 Apr. 2020
Verb
But then comes Mother Mary, and the mood changes as if someone had dimmed the lights in the theater without warning. Maddalena Gomez, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026 The program would put four mobile speed-warning cameras in the city, with one initially placed in each council district. Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warning
Noun
  • Small craft should exercise caution over the Atlantic waters, but there are no alerts or advisories for boaters over the Atlantic waters or Keys waters on Monday.
    Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 4 May 2026
  • Small craft near Volusia County’s offshore waters should also exercise caution.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Other factors, including scars, bruising, ligature marks and signs of malnutrition, supported evidence of long-term abuse, the warrant affidavit said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Many of the victims of Saturday's attack were reportedly from a village near the town of Cajibío, where a vigil was held Monday, with hundreds of people dressing in white as a sign of peace.
    Frank Andrews, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Somewhat muted amid Pat Riley’s comments this week about the need for decisive Miami Heat change were cautionary words about a process that also could be deferred, put on hold.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Indianapolis, just 180 miles southeast of here, serves as a cautionary tale.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Krikorian, of the Center for Immigration Studies, said the Social Security Administration could send out letters alerting employers when an employee’s name doesn’t match their Social Security number.
    Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • Krikorian, of the Center for Immigration Studies, said the Social Security Administration could send out letters alerting employers when an employee's name doesn't match their Social Security number.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • More than a forewarning, the project is an open invitation into the Texan’s sonic world, drawing on elements from an array of genres.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 Feb. 2026
  • According to Davidson, the BAFTAs did give the crowd some forewarning about his tics.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And while the formal rules on travel have relaxed, the admonitory official language is unchanged.
    John Liu, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Satire has always had an admonitory function, and besides, some people are so obnoxious that a writer has to slow-walk the reader through their awfulness.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 11 May 2022
Verb
  • In a letter sent Wednesday to TotalEnergies and provided to The Associated Press, Huffman and Raskin are letting the company know that Democrats have begun an investigation, are demanding documents and communications and are advising the CEO not to take the money.
    Jennifer McDermott, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For women with dense tissue, the ACP says 3D mammography may be considered as a supplement, while advising against routine MRI or ultrasound for average-risk individuals.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • There is a moderate risk of rip currents along the Atlantic beaches, but no advisories or alerts for boaters.
    Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warning. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on warning

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster