alarmist

American  

[uh-lahr-mist] / əˈlɑr mɪst /

noun

1. a person who tends to raise alarms, especially without sufficient reason, as by exaggerating dangers or prophesying calamities.

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adjective

1. of or like an alarmist.

alarmist British  

/ əˈlɑːmɪst /

noun

1. a person who alarms or attempts to alarm others needlessly or without due grounds

2. a person who is easily alarmed

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adjective

1. characteristic of an alarmist

Other Word Forms

• alarmism
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of alarmist

First recorded in 1795–1805; alarm + -ist

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alarmist

What’s alarmist and what’s real about artificial intelligence.

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2026

He advised limiting exposure to alarmist content, discussing any concerns with trusted friends or family and seeking help from a GP if anxiety begins to affect daily life, wellbeing or relationships.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

When something is speeding up and going out of control, prudence, care and deliberation aren’t alarmist, they’re necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Struyven acknowledges some of the more alarmist calls on oil are probably overstated.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026

“I don’t want to be an alarmist, but I know of nothing humans can do to return the moon to its orbit.”

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

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Related Words

• pessimist

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