red flag

noun

Definition of red flagnext
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 The campaign’s long-game strategy is the red flag for the agricultural industry and for sportsmen. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026 The red flags waving so brightly today were fully visible a month ago. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The map also overlays the location of water hydrants, the moisture content of vegetation, wildfire history, red flag warnings of dangerous fire conditions and other data. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 Below, members of Forbes Coaches Council share the practices that help the most effective boards thrive, along with red flags that commonly characterize the most dysfunctional ones. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
  1. warning
  2. sign
Noun
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • An evacuation warning means a potential threat to life and/or property, and those who require time to evacuate were urged to leave ahead of any mandatory evacuation order.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of warning
Noun
  • This is the first sign of the kind of tomfoolery Luke has in store for the night.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • The bright blue sign reading ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ outside the silver chain-link gate at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport has been removed.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

red-eyes
red flag
red flags
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Cite this Entry

“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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