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
And when red flags are ignored, fraud thrives.
—
Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
That … definitely raised some red flags in my mind.
—Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Other red flags can include trouble functioning during the day, withdrawal from social life or activities, meaningful mood changes, or mentions of hopelessness or self-harm.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 19 Jan. 2026
These are the top three red flags from hirers that job seekers should watch out for in interviews, according to Augustine.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026
Like this season’s Rams, there were all sorts of red flags in the regular season for that team.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
In June, Russian banks raised red flags on a potential debt crisis as high interest rates weigh on borrowers’ ability to service loans.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2026
The Genesis helpline is available 24/7 for individuals to speak with someone about red flags, safe date planning and seeking services.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Here are some red flags to watch out for.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
That … definitely raised some red flags in my mind.
—Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Other red flags can include trouble functioning during the day, withdrawal from social life or activities, meaningful mood changes, or mentions of hopelessness or self-harm.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 19 Jan. 2026
These are the top three red flags from hirers that job seekers should watch out for in interviews, according to Augustine.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026
Like this season’s Rams, there were all sorts of red flags in the regular season for that team.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
In June, Russian banks raised red flags on a potential debt crisis as high interest rates weigh on borrowers’ ability to service loans.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2026
The Genesis helpline is available 24/7 for individuals to speak with someone about red flags, safe date planning and seeking services.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Here are some red flags to watch out for.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
The system enforces a state law requiring other vehicles to come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The suspect ran through red lights and swerved across several lanes on Balboa Boulevard in Encino while driving at around 80 mph before merging onto the northbound 101 Freeway.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
My mom has canceled appointments after receiving such warnings.—
Laura Yuen,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
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The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims Edison failed to follow its own safety protocols despite advance warnings of extremely dangerous red flag conditions in an area known to be at high threat of wildfires.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The girls seemed to be having a great time during these performances, interacting with fans by reacting to their costumes and signs, and creating a Candybong wave.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Many marchers also referenced the killing of Renee Nicole Good, with signs honoring both victims and calling for accountability.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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