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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of red flag
Whether your teen is trying to get out of family dinner to hit the gym again or to hide eating behaviors, this is a red flag.
—
Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026
Large or unusual deposits made shortly before filing can raise red flags.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
When an accountant came into the picture asking for power of attorney, Thompson and his family didn’t see the red flags.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
But Kevin and Ruby’s strict parenting style raised red flags for some viewers, with some followers even alleging child abuse.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026
Large or unusual deposits made shortly before filing can raise red flags.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
When an accountant came into the picture asking for power of attorney, Thompson and his family didn’t see the red flags.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
But Kevin and Ruby’s strict parenting style raised red flags for some viewers, with some followers even alleging child abuse.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
-
Detectives determined that a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado travelling at a high rate of speed ran a red light while traveling southbound on MO-291 and struck the passenger side of the Ford Ranger that was northbound with a green light, court records say.—
PJ Green
January 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The camera program has reduced red light running at key intersections by 58% on average and is a key tool for improving safety, the PPA said in the announcement.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The warning is for Merced - Madera - Mendota, Planada - Le Grand - Snelling, Fresno area, Delano-Wasco-Shafter, Hanford - Corcoran - Lemoore, Visalia - Porterville - Reedley and Southeast San Joaquin Valley.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The Times revealed last January that west Altadena never received evacuation warnings, and orders to evacuate came hours after flames and smoke threatened the community.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
About 30 percent of the galaxies emit radio waves, a sign that their central black holes are active.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The rich-looking denim alternative was a big trend in 2025, with co-signs from Hailey Bieber and Martha Stewart.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share