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.

After another false alarm that the case had been found, Rosie's husband Chris says he began emailing Ryanair "twice a week for months" in the hope of an update.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

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

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

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

I laughed with them, at Teacher Li who had not made the message clear, at my own fears, at the whole false alarm.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang