Synonyms of red flag

red flag

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• red light
• warning
• handwriting on the wall
• sign
• wake-up call
• tocsin
• tip-off
• signal
• indicator
• caution
• notification
• premonition
• omen
• buoy
• declaration
• portent
• presage
• announcement
• notice
• foretaste
• knell
• foretoken

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• green light
• permission
• OK
• go-ahead
• all clear

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of red flag

The rush of private capital into utilities — global PE investment in the sector topped $69 billion in 2025, 50% above the previous year — raises some red flags. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The move has raised red flags among observers who have pointed out the state’s own budget for the fiscal year passed months ago. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

But on the flip side, some users are already pointing out a possible privacy red flag. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026

The people more likely to die sooner moved more slowly, had weaker hand-grip strength, and showed a cluster of other red flags for a condition now called frailty. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 17 Aug. 2026