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.
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
In Washington all week, world leaders and investors were warning of a longer tail to the energy shortages.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 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
Mr Biden and Mr Trump have all but locked up their parties' nominations but there were warning signs for both.
From BBC ● Mar. 6, 2024
The war was clearly going badly for the French, and commentators were warning that the United States needed to avoid involvement.
From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers
