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Definitions

wake-up call

NOUN
cautionary tale
Synonyms
WEAK
a few words of wisdom admonition advisory caution light caveat deterrent example enough said event illustrating a hazard forewarning hint lesson message moral omen portent red flag sign of things to come warning word to the wise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gaby Pacheco, president of TheDream.US, an organisation that provides scholarships to undocumented immigrants, told the BBC that the case should serve as a "wake-up call."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s a wake-up call to the art world that the Louvre incident might have spawned a wave of copycat thefts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“The fact that non-fuel import prices increased so much is a wake-up call for policymakers and will keep the Federal Reserve in pause for longer than expected,” said Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at Raymond James.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Smith said the 69-62 loss to Sierra Canyon was a wake-up call for the Knights.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

A rooster crowed his wake-up call into the clear air.

From "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen