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

Reul said they saw "no smoke, no smell of fire, or damage", so they "concluded it was a false alarm", which he said was not unusual.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

I see some information about cops scrambling, but an editor says it’s a false alarm and not to worry about it.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2025

Weiss is about to get his first face-to-face with Spears, but it’s a false alarm: She thinks Weiss is a production assistant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

I think the fire marshal was just mad about our false alarm, and I think Terupt knew that, too.

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea