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

For anyone with a basic knowledge of ancient history, there were red flags aplenty. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

In June 2025, Russian banks raised red flags on a potential debt crisis as high interest rates weighed on borrowers’ ability to pay off loans. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

They're built to avoid obvious red flags and exploit disconnected verification processes. — Robert Granados, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

His slow recovery from March ankle surgery raises all sorts of red flags. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

And didn’t Hal’s hunch help expose an alien that not only looked exactly like a human male, but also passed an X-ray without sending up any red flags? — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2026

But there is no indication in state paperwork that the problems found at Heights Crematory or other red flags triggered aggressive regular inspections of the Morgans’ businesses, or their ongoing operating practices. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Warning signs to watch for The exact script changes, but the red flags are remarkably consistent. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Long before the rape accusation that did in his candidacy, those red flags should have been completely disqualifying. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026