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
Evan definitely has some red flags.
—
Olivia Truffaut-Wong, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
What are red flags in extended warranties?
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Common red flags for daters include expecting the other person to pay for everything or having bad spending habits, The Harris Poll survey found.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Unexpected logouts or security alerts are also red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
If markets were to panic about Uncle Sam’s spending, bond yields would be among the earliest red flags to go up.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Several things, Janicki alleges, stood out as red flags and are pointed out in the suit.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Certain friendship red flags are universally understood.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
Olivia Truffaut-Wong, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
What are red flags in extended warranties?
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Common red flags for daters include expecting the other person to pay for everything or having bad spending habits, The Harris Poll survey found.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Unexpected logouts or security alerts are also red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
If markets were to panic about Uncle Sam’s spending, bond yields would be among the earliest red flags to go up.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Several things, Janicki alleges, stood out as red flags and are pointed out in the suit.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Certain friendship red flags are universally understood.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
At the time, council members cited as reasons the cost of the tickets — $490, including hefty court fees — and concerns that most ticket recipients were doing slow-roll, right turns at the intersection, rather than speeding straight through the red lights.—
Barbara Henry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
With the incessant storms that year, bush pilots said red lights would be easier to see than the current blue ones.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Below, our bed bug experts detail how to recognize the earliest signs of a pest problem, the different types of available treatments, and top tips for preventing bed bugs from ever crossing your bedroom's threshold.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Nonetheless, people often laugh about how well astrological signs describe people born under them.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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