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
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Recent Examples of red flag
Prior to the incident there were no red flags or warning signs of any kind, a lawyer for his ex-wife told ABC News.
—
Chris Spargo, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The victims’ families, meanwhile, are still fighting to hold school officials accountable, maintaining, among other things, that those officials missed red flags about the shooter’s disturbing behavior, and put their children in harms way as a result.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The idea is that the two companies will be able to create an advanced platform that further allows clients to take action on potential red flags before any consequences come about.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell used some very un-Powell-like language at Jackson Hole on Friday, and to Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, that was a red flag.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Chris Spargo, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The victims’ families, meanwhile, are still fighting to hold school officials accountable, maintaining, among other things, that those officials missed red flags about the shooter’s disturbing behavior, and put their children in harms way as a result.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The idea is that the two companies will be able to create an advanced platform that further allows clients to take action on potential red flags before any consequences come about.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell used some very un-Powell-like language at Jackson Hole on Friday, and to Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, that was a red flag.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
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Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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In Silverdale, Washington, a BMW owner discovered his dashcam had captured a mechanic doing 113 mph on public roads, blowing through red lights, blasting music and treating the vehicle like his personal race car.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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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 flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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