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 a unanimous vote, the council instructed the Los Angeles Police Department, city administrative officer and the city attorney to report on options to increase fines, allocate revenue to wildfire preparedness and expand patrol and towing capacity during red flag or pre-disaster events.
—
City News Service, Daily News, 8 May 2026
An Associated Press investigation into Rocha found several red flags overlooked along the way, including a warning that one longtime CIA operative received nearly two decades ago that Rocha was working as a double agent.
—Joshua Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Thomas Nitzsche of Money Management International, a nonprofit credit counseling agency, said those surprise calls should immediately raise red flags.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 8 May 2026
If the stain keeps returning after repainting, that’s a major red flag.
—Ryan Brennan
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
City News Service, Daily News, 8 May 2026
An Associated Press investigation into Rocha found several red flags overlooked along the way, including a warning that one longtime CIA operative received nearly two decades ago that Rocha was working as a double agent.
—Joshua Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Thomas Nitzsche of Money Management International, a nonprofit credit counseling agency, said those surprise calls should immediately raise red flags.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 8 May 2026
If the stain keeps returning after repainting, that’s a major red flag.
—Ryan Brennan
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
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The researchers argue that the daily dataset has diagnostic potential, serving as an early warning system for economic cycles, a humanitarian planning tool, and a means of tracking ecological consequences as illuminated nights continue to change at an accelerating pace.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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Ouija boards were enshrined in glass cases throughout the room; periodically, a small silver bell tolled without warning, moving as though on its own.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Other factors, including scars, bruising, ligature marks and signs of malnutrition, supported evidence of long-term abuse, the warrant affidavit said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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Many of the victims of Saturday's attack were reportedly from a village near the town of Cajibío, where a vigil was held Monday, with hundreds of people dressing in white as a sign of peace.—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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