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
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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of warning
Justin Lewis, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Russia launched an Oreshnik missile into Ukraine overnight into Friday for the second time since the full-scale war began 2022, in a strike that Kyiv and its allies say is meant as a warning for the West.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
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
Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Analysts and some world leaders have condemned the Venezuela mission, warning that Maduro’s ouster could pave the way for more military interventions and a further erosion of the global legal order.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for warning
Noun
Click here for the latest weather watches, warnings and alerts.
—Adjective
The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.
—Verb
Check all warning lights Over a car's lifespan, there will be warning lights on the dashboard trying to catch your attention.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for warning
Noun
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
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Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
Noun
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About 30 percent of the galaxies emit radio waves, a sign that their central black holes are active.—
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The rich-looking denim alternative was a big trend in 2025, with co-signs from Hailey Bieber and Martha Stewart.—
Adjective
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This is, in part, a cautionary tale.—
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There are many examples of cautionary takeover tales, such as the collapse of RKO, one of the most successful, creative mega-studios, after its 1948 purchase by eccentric aviation industrialist Howard Hughes, followed by its flip to General Tire ownership in 1955.—
Verb
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Court documents also said a 17-year-old planned a Shelby County school shooting that was prevented, largely by the student's mother alerting police to their concerns.—
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One defendant is accused of obstruction by alerting gang members to the imminent racketeering indictment in 2024.—
Noun
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Beliefs in false statements dropped from 19.5 percent in the control group to 12.3 percent in the forewarning group and to 10.6 percent among the participants who received simple explanations without forewarnings.—
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This is when your neighbors will appreciate some forewarning—and a chance to tell you about their concerns.—
Noun
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Detectives determined that a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado travelling at a high rate of speed ran a red light while traveling southbound on MO-291 and struck the passenger side of the Ford Ranger that was northbound with a green light, court records say.—
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The camera program has reduced red light running at key intersections by 58% on average and is a key tool for improving safety, the PPA said in the announcement.—
Adjective
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And while the formal rules on travel have relaxed, the admonitory official language is unchanged.—
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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.—
Verb
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Faber will remain with the company and executive produce both new and existing projects, along with advising on the creative and commercial strategy of the business.—
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Kellyanne Conway’s firm is advising Netflix, according to a person familiar with the matter.—
Cite this Entry
“Warning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warning. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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