warn
verb (used with object)
to give notice, advice, or intimation to (a person, group, etc.) of danger, impending evil, possible harm, or anything else unfavorable.
were warning
-
past progressiveof warn.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier this month, Barclays analysts were warning that elevated diesel prices “are unlikely to remain confined to the energy line-items of U.S. inflation.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026
"This is exactly what we were warning about in 2017," she says.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
Trails down into the Canyon from the South Rim remained open on Monday, but staff were warning visitors of the potential dangers, with sudden squalls possible at any time during the Southwest monsoon season.
From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026
Even in those early days, there were warning signs.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
The stairs leading to the third floor groaned all the way up, and the air turned musty and stale, as if the brownstone were warning them away.
From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser
