red flag

noun

Definition of red flagnext
as in red light
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of red flag In short, if your skin feels atypical or raises an internal red flag, give your derm a call or schedule an appointment. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 Extreme stress, impatience, or intoxication are major red flags that can lead to negative experiences or removal from flights. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026 Red flag law The Parkland shooting inspired Florida’s 2018 red flag law. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 That may sound like a red flag on the surface—some smart feeders technically work without a subscription, but with so many restrictions that you may as well be forced to pay. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
  1. warning
  2. sign
Noun
  • Officials across the five states issued travel and safety warnings yesterday and today and were starting to assess damage.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The production was shut down in Livingston, Montana last Saturday when locals complained about the production’s impact on the Livingston food bank and improper warnings about hazardous stunts.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of warning
Noun
  • In a sign of how serious the warnings are, dozens of Waffle Houses in the Florida Panhandle were closed, according to the company's website.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • There have been multiple rallies and protests outside of WNBA games, including fans inside arenas holding pro-trans and anti-trans signs.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

red-eyes
red flag
red flags
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Cite this Entry

“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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