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.

Tank bottoms at Cushing would be a wake-up call that inventories are dangerously low.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Roberts claimed it should be a "wake-up call" to the Northern Ireland Executive.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

"It's a wake-up call for the whole of civilisation", to "be rational when we use these tools".

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

For private-equity investors, however, the actions in Oregon and California are a wake-up call, showing that the new laws can’t be ignored, said John Saran, a partner at law firm Holland & Knight.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Before hanging up he asked her to give him a wake-up call at seven a.m.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

wake-up call

Example Sentences

Related Words