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

Historical records reveal there were several close calls in the early ’80s, including the 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm that could have triggered a nuclear war.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

And though the Aukus review was a scare it was ultimately a false alarm.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

On the bright side, he said, “there’s no problem of having a false alarm or being wrong,” because the predictions won’t affect people on land.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

“Could be a false alarm, or a test.”

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs