warn
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for warn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use warn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English warnian ("to take heed, to warn"), from a Germanic root meaning "to be aware" or "give heed."
Full origin of warn →Frequently asked questions
What does “warn” mean?
The word “warn” means to alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen. In plain terms, to tell someone about a danger or problem ahead of time so they can avoid it.
How do you pronounce “warn”?
“Warn” is pronounced WAWN (/ˈwɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “warn” in a sentence?
Here is “warn” used in a sentence: “The forecast warned residents of an approaching storm.”
What part of speech is “warn”?
“Warn” is a verb.
Where does the word “warn” come from?
The word “warn” comes from Old English. From Old English warnian ("to take heed, to warn"), from a Germanic root meaning "to be aware" or "give heed.".
Is “warn” a common word?
“Warn” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “warn” have?
“Warn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to alert someone to a danger, problem, or something unpleasant that may happen.
Do you warn someone of, about, or against something?
All three prepositions are correct, with different shades. You warn someone of or about a danger or problem, with of sounding slightly more formal, and you warn someone against an action you are advising them not to take. Warn can also be followed by an object and an infinitive: "she warned him to stay away".
What is the difference between warn and caution?
Both mean to alert someone to possible danger or advise them against a course of action, but caution is milder and more formal, often appearing in official contexts. Warn is the everyday word and tends to suggest more serious or urgent danger.
What is the difference between warn and threaten?
To warn someone is to alert them to a danger or problem so they can avoid harm; the speaker's intent is protective. To threaten is to declare that you yourself will cause the harm. "I'm warning you" sits on the boundary, since it is often a veiled threat.
What is the difference between warn and forewarn?
Both mean to alert someone to a coming danger or problem, but forewarn stresses that the alert comes well in advance, as in the proverb "forewarned is forearmed". Warn is the general-purpose word; forewarn is slightly more formal and literary.