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
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Recent Examples of red flags
With this knowledge, CR decided to test several popular toddler towers themselves to alert caregivers to any safety red flags.
—
Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
There weren’t any immediate red flags in the months leading up to the start of school, but on the first day fellow teachers told her about one student’s severe behavioral issues.
—IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent polling of the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races signals red flags for Republicans, who are hoping to eke out victories in November despite both states' Democratic leanings.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Teach kids to recognize red flags, like advice that seems too good to be true or comes from anonymous social media accounts.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Hovey's donor status raised red flags for residents, too.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Despite these numerous, blazing red flags, there’s something about Rick that solicits sympathy.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
Last year, Dell gave its workers literal red flags for not swiping their badge enough.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Not every toxic relationship announces itself with obvious red flags.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025
Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
There weren’t any immediate red flags in the months leading up to the start of school, but on the first day fellow teachers told her about one student’s severe behavioral issues.
—IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent polling of the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races signals red flags for Republicans, who are hoping to eke out victories in November despite both states' Democratic leanings.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Teach kids to recognize red flags, like advice that seems too good to be true or comes from anonymous social media accounts.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Hovey's donor status raised red flags for residents, too.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Despite these numerous, blazing red flags, there’s something about Rick that solicits sympathy.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
Last year, Dell gave its workers literal red flags for not swiping their badge enough.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Not every toxic relationship announces itself with obvious red flags.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
That interaction produces the green and red lights.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The crossing arms are already down, red lights flashing in warning.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The entire shoreline is under high swim risk warnings, and advisories for boaters and mariners.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, the surgery involves cutting away thin layers of the skin until there are no signs of cancer.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
There are early signs that Alonso will bring the best out of him.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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