as in red light
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
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Recent Examples of red flag
In some instances, the records show, Epstein’s payments to his victims’ accounts in banks in Russia raised red flags in compliance departments of Western banks.
—
Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
The red flags are real where the best case may be the Tyson Barrie or Morgan Rielly mould — a flawed offensive defenseman who can’t be trusted at the top of the lineup.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
But this exit isn’t one that raises a red flag.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
But Barrow County authorities said Colin ignored a series of red flags.
—Eric Mandel, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
The red flags are real where the best case may be the Tyson Barrie or Morgan Rielly mould — a flawed offensive defenseman who can’t be trusted at the top of the lineup.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
But this exit isn’t one that raises a red flag.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
But Barrow County authorities said Colin ignored a series of red flags.
—Eric Mandel, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
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Nothing gives me a goosebump more than watching the red light come on before the ball goes in.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Anyone captured running a red light during that time will receive a warning notice in the mail but will not be fined.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Military bases across California have tightened security since the conflict began, requiring more stringent visitor identification, checks at gates and warning of traffic delays.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Such is the warning from transparency advocates over Assembly Bill 1034, which passed the lower chamber last month by a 95-1 vote.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The president's endorsement didn't clear the GOP crowded field to replace Greene — some observers cast that as a sign of weakness — but Fuller easily overcame other Republican contenders.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
11 Mar. 2026
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The Iran war intensified as Washington and Tehran focused their attention on the Strait of Hormuz and showed little sign of easing their aerial campaigns.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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