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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 On the other hand, there are red flags for the Pats as well, playing in the Florida heat after two emotional games — a Super Bowl rematch and a home opener — while looking ahead to their showdown with the Bills next week. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026 Any lender that offers unsolicited financing, guarantees approval or requires money upfront before approving your loan should be considered a red flag. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 If any of those red flags are present, book a sleep study rather than another gadget. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026 One interested investor who questioned high research and development costs was an immediate red flag, Knowles remembers. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
  1. warning
  2. sign
Noun
  • After warnings from lawmakers about the conflict of interest, Kennedy agreed to amend his ethics agreement to divest his interest to his son.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In recent years, Hinton, who previously worked at Google, has issued a series of warnings about existential risks associated with AI, particularly if an AI model surpasses human intelligence and becomes autonomous.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of warning
Noun
  • That’s a sign of how much the movie’s visual effects emanate directly from the imagination of the filmmaker.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Full Moon in your sign puts your identity, desires, and personal direction under a bright light, making old compromises harder to maintain automatically.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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