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.

Doubts about the current bull market have started to creep in following Friday’s tech stock wipeout, but this wouldn’t be the first false alarm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Chronic pain, however, continues even after the injury has healed, creating a kind of false alarm that can last for weeks, months, or years.

From Science Daily • Apr. 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

Because yeah, it was a false alarm, but I know it felt real to Dylan.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera