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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.

Kebede said Polanski was now "the most favoured politician amongst our members", and described that as a "wake up call" for the Labour government.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Despite scoring his seventh goal in ten matches Dembele sounded a wake up call to his teammates.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Gabriel, however, sees his twin sister's inquest as a wake up call - for too long, he thinks society has let down those whose parents believe conspiracy theories.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

Aside from their neighbor’s wake up call, the Andersons didn’t receive any orders to evacuate, Warner said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

What’s happening in cocoa is now a wake up call for the coffee industry, which has seen production concentrate in just two countries: Brazil and Vietnam.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024