Synonyms of warning

warning 1 of 3

noun

ˈwȯr-niŋ 

1

as in caution

the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk

she delivered a strict warning that anyone who was caught stealing would be fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

• caution
• forewarning
• alert
• advice
• recommendation
• admonition
• admonishment
• suggestion
• heads-up
• alarm
• notice
• prediction
• announcement
• informing
• predicting
• prophecy
• notification
• forecasting
• declaration
• guidance
• premonition
• tip
• notifying
• prophesying
• foretelling
• presaging
• augury
• auguring
• tip-off
• prognosticating
• counsel
• apprising

2

as in sign

something that tells of approaching danger or risk

the ominously darkening sky was a warning that a tornado was approaching

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sign
• red light
• caution
• red flag
• handwriting on the wall
• tip-off
• tocsin
• notification
• signal
• indicator
• wake-up call
• premonition
• omen
• portent
• declaration
• notice
• announcement
• presage
• buoy
• foretaste
• knell
• foretoken

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permission
• green light
• OK
• go-ahead
• all clear

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

• cautionary
• admonitory
• admonishing
• premonitory
• punitive
• monitory
• cautioning
• exemplary
• advisory
• didactic
• moralistic
• moralizing
• counseling
• punishing

warning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of warn

as in alerting

to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk

the lifeguard warned the boys that if they continued playing so rough, someone was sure to get hurt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alerting
• advising
• cautioning
• informing
• forewarning
• waking
• predicting
• admonishing
• notifying
• forecasting
• prophesying
• foretelling
• presaging
• apprising
• prognosticating
• tipping (off)
• auguring
• foreshadowing
• harbingering
• foreboding
• portending
• boding
• foretokening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• risking
• imperiling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of warning

Noun

High wind warnings are in effect for the Jersey Shore, as well as parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including Boston, Providence and Atlantic City, for winds gusting up to 60 mph. — Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

The new threat assessment joins a chorus of Russia warnings from top European security officials and lawmakers in recent days. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Sep. 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

The law requires an onscreen disclosure warning users to STOP if they have been directed to the machine by a stranger or someone claiming to be a government agent. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

As sheriffs across Florida run ads warning of public safety cuts if Florida voters slash property taxes, Miami-Dade’s sheriff is siding with the governor in defending the Amendment 3 proposal that’s on the November ballot. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026