Synonyms of red flags

red flags

noun

plural of red flag

as in red lights

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

• red lights
• warnings
• signs
• wake-up calls
• tocsins
• indicators
• signals
• cautions
• tip-offs
• notifications
• premonitions
• buoys
• omens
• portents
• declarations
• presages
• announcements
• notices
• foretokens
• foretastes
• knells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• all clears

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of red flags

Mannion’s initial installations of motions and misdirection plays have been effective from my vantage point in team drills — not red flags in need of refinement. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Still, a company spokesperson urged prospective renters and buyers to beware of possible red flags that might signal a scam. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Choose an agent and lender who work with VA loans regularly and know how to spot red flags early. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Knowing what to look for and paying attention to common red flags that may indicate reproductions is key to scoring genuine treasures. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2026

You may be fooled into joining a brokerage with high fees, poor investment options or other red flags. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Platner’s backers stuck with him too long with so many red flags, and Schumer and the DSCC were rightly skeptical of him. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

But the dosage change didn’t immediately raise any red flags. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026

Members of Forbes Technology Council share red flags that can help users make smarter decisions about which apps deserve their trust. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026