red flag

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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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 Officer’s actions raise red flags in review Allen’s arrest began with a dirt-bike accident involving his younger brother, Parks, 16, who had spun out of control in a residential neighborhood in Meridian. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2025 If that doesn’t raise any red flags then maybe the Cubs are in denial. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 Users already give Meta with a wide swath of personal information — but the kind extracted from an inquisitive chatbot raises all kinds of red flags. Michael Barclay, Quartz, 7 May 2025 The previous bankruptcy also resolved hundreds of lawsuits alleging that Rite Aid ignored red flags when filling suspicious prescriptions for addictive opioid pain drugs. James Powel, USA Today, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
  • Witnesses said that Pelkey was at a red light when Horcasitas pulled up behind him in a Volkswagen.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • On the topic of disparities, Barone said over the last 10 years the numbers show when police use the traffic laws to focus on violations that are killing people like speeding, following too closely, running stop signs or red lights there is little disparity in the data.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Several household-name toy companies have made the decision to raise their prices to absorb the new import taxes, with others issuing warnings that some toys may be absent from the shelves come holiday season.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • The warning was issued Thursday at 9:51 p.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Thursday at 9:58 p.m. Interstate 49 Current Incidents: There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • So Like most Taurus signs, Daphne is bullheaded and controlling regarding her three daughters — especially Milly.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • Allowing imperfection to show—rather than keeping up appearances—is both a sign of intimacy and a precondition for it.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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