false alarm

noun

: an alarm (such as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly

: something causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded

Examples of false alarm in a Sentence

A false alarm drew firefighters to the school. The report that the factory would be closing was a false alarm. He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a false alarm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

After a false alarm six years ago, an expanding fast-food chain finally is on track to open its first restaurant in Boise proper. —

Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2025 Planetary candidates have come and gone around the star, with initially promising possibilities ultimately proving to be false alarms. —

Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 2 Feb. 2025 These measures ensure robust performance in predicting severe weather, balancing timely warnings with minimal false alarms and enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness. —

Mithun A. Sridharan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The false alarm created confusion among residents, with some rushing to prepare for evacuation while others sought clarification from local officials. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for false alarm