warn

verb

ˈwȯrn How to pronounce warn (audio)
Definition of warnnext
as in to alert
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 warn Also in March, law enforcement agencies across California were warned that the Iran war could lead to a surprise drone attack in the Golden State. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Political advertising warns about Democratic plots to defund the police. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Ralapanawe warned that brands risk missing their 2030 targets if their plans don’t account for the additional power demand and potential emissions. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 In his interview with CNBC, Haldane warned against homing in on businesses in the budget. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warn
  1. alert
  2. advise
Verb
  • Israel's domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, was alerted to the fact that Israeli SIM cards that had been distributed to Hamas fighters were activated — a sign of their imminent intention to cross into Israel.
    — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Rosen noted that in 2025 after being alerted to his sharing of extremist material online, the FBI actually went to Mohamud's house to attempt to speak to his parents but were rebuffed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of alert
Verb
  • However, a letter Lowen uncovers later claims the manuscript was purely fictional and a writing exercise she was advised to do by her publisher.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Forge has brought in Head of Gaming & Interactive Experiences Léonidas Vesperini and former Lionsgate SVP Marc Lorber is advising the company, which launched over the summer.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of advise

Browse Nearby Words

warm-ups
warn
warned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warn. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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