WAKE-UP CALL Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

wake-up call

noun

Definition of wake-up call

as in warning

something that tells of approaching danger or risk his high blood pressure was a wake-up call that he needed to do something about his health

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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 wake-up call The persistence of that finding should be a wake-up call for employers already battling high turnover and labor shortages. — Wire Services, Dallas News, 22 Mar. 2023 Our editor noted that the delicate tinkling makes for a very pleasant wake-up call and adds a calming ambiance when hanging out in the backyard on a gently breezy day. — Kate McGregor, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Mar. 2023 The rising autism numbers presented by our CDC should be a wake-up call — there are a lot of us, and what’s truly increasing is the cost of ignoring our needs. — John Elder Robison, STAT, 23 Mar. 2023 The film’s success, argues culture minister Claudia Roth, should be a wake-up call for an overly-restrictive and bureaucratic film funding system that privileges theatrical releases even as fewer and fewer Germans are watching movies in cinemas. — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for wake-up call

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wake-up call

Noun

An evacuation warning was issued for the area of Paradise Ranch, between Templin Highway and the Pyramid Lake area, according to Los Angeles County fire officials.

— Andrea Klick, Daily News, 7 July 2026
Burgin initially took the test in November after moving to California from Minnesota and then received the DMV warning letter in June.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of warning

Noun

Atlanta Track Club, which oversees the annual race in its 57th running, had sent out a red flag alert Thursday, and people largely heeded the warnings by coming hydrated and ready to run.

— Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
If a company pressures you into signing a contract before evaluating other options, that’s a red flag.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of red flag

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wake (up)

wake-up call

wake-up calls

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“Wake-up call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wake-up%20call. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of wake-up call

noun

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