Synonyms for

Warn

Verb / wɔ:rn / Another word for warn — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To inform someone in advance of potential danger or trouble.

Synonyms & similar words

monish admonish discourage advise caution alert apprise forewarn notify tell signal admonish urge exhort encourage enjoin counsel recommend suggest

Synonyms by register

Formal

admonish caution forewarn notify

Informal

tip off give a heads-up sound the alarm alert

Literary

apprise premonish

Antonyms

encourage approve support endorse permit allow

Common collocations

  • warn someone about
  • warn of danger
  • warn against
  • warn the public
  • warn of the risks
  • warn of consequences
  • warn about the weather

Word family

noun warning
verb warn
adjective warning
adverb warningly

Usage note

While 'warn' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it often implies a negative future event. Be mindful of the preposition used with 'warn'; it is typically followed by 'of' or 'about' when referring to the thing being warned against.

Example sentences

  1. I need to warn you that the bridge is out ahead.
  2. The weatherman warned us about the incoming storm.
  3. The teacher will warn the students before giving a pop quiz.
  4. The sign warned drivers to slow down for the sharp curve.
  5. The doctor warned the patient about the potential side effects of the medication.

Quotes

  • A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. - Proverbs 27:12
  • To be forewarned is to be forearmed. - Miguel de Cervantes
  • Let us not be too particular. It is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all. - Mark Twain

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words