ALARMING Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

alarming 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈlär-miŋ

Definition of alarming

as in terrifying

causing fear an alarming rise in her fever, causing the doctor to fear the worst

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alarming

2 of 2

verb

variants also alaruming

present participle of alarm

as in frightening

to strike with fear I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disturbing

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of alarming

Adjective

This alarming discovery, from the EcoShark Project, highlights how human pharmaceuticals enter marine ecosystems. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The spacecraft has yet to successfully make it to space and back in one piece, an alarming reality considering NASA’s extremely ambitious timelines that rely on it. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 July 2026

Verb

The institution has resisted placing it under glass or alarming it in order to allow visitors as unrestricted a viewing experience as possible. — News Desk, Artforum, 9 June 2026 At the same time, the state’s spending keeps growing quickly as well, alarming the Legislative Analyst’s Office, which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alarming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarming

Adjective

That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.

— Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of terrifying

Verb

Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.

— Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
The cream bronzer blends effortlessly underneath without disturbing the layers.

— Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of scary

Verb

This common form of anxiety arises when dogs are left alone for an amount of time, often worrying that they will permanently be left behind.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Taken together, the actions signal a worrying return to a reality where people with disabilities are pushed to the margins of society, advocates said.

— Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of worrying

Adjective

England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of formidable

Verb

Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.

— Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Definition of scaring

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alarmed

alarming

alarmingly

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Style

“Alarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarming. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of alarming

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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