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.
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
By 5 p.m., authorities were warning residents nearby to prepare for possible evacuations, and by 8 p.m., evacuation orders were issued.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
Even before the Iran conflict began, Kwon and his team were warning about the risk that inflation might reaccelerate later this year.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 14, 2026
Brown is pretty sure they were warning shots.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026
“They’re coming back to get you. That’s what the letter said. That’s who they were warning us about!”
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
