false alarm
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.
This misinterpretation activates the cell's innate immune system, creating a false alarm that can lead to inflammation and disease.
From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026
Historical records reveal there were several close calls in the early ’80s, including the 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm that could have triggered a nuclear war.
From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026
The ShakeAlert computer system that warns about the imminent arrival of shaking from earthquakes sent out a false alarm Thursday morning for a magnitude 5.9 temblor in Carson City, Nev., that did not actually happen.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025
If there is no indication of a false alarm or if a second detector sends a warning, fire alarms are then normally activated throughout the building.
From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025
Absurdly, I found myself hoping it was a false alarm.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.