RED FLAG Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

red flag

noun

Definition of 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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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 Despite its many red flags, the new Cambridge Analytica’s content has been cited by news outlets including Esquire and Ars Technica. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 30 July 2026 On June 7, McCaffrey turned 30, which may be a red flag to some but not to the former Stanford star. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 This sudden switch following the meeting and its aftermath raised red flags both in The Nation and The Federalist. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026 This will increase wildfire risk across much of the state, and red flag warnings are not out of the question for Northern California where the wind will be a touch stronger. — Sean MacAday 27, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag

Noun

Importantly, such forecasts give countries early warning of heat waves, droughts, floods and potential disruptions to food supplies, among other outcomes.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Delivery of extreme heat warnings by text message, robocall, email, social media and Notify ATL, the city’s emergency mass notification system.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of warning

Noun

In an independent third-party clinical study of 33 participants, 100 percent showed improvement across seven key signs of lip aging after just one use, while 96 percent demonstrated enhanced lip volume after four weeks.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Video from his dash camera shows the aircraft gliding under a highway sign, missing it by mere feet, before touching down in the empty lanes.

— Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of sign

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red-eyes

red flag

red flags

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“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of red flag

noun

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