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

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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 Ignoring your family is not a crime, but Kimberly knew Ashley’s silence was a huge red flag. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 Anyone standing and kneeling down by the train tracks that’s not a city worker is a red flag. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Kern, a Colorado Springs police officer, had no red flags, Borega says, receiving several accolades from the police chief. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Central Colorado, including Jackson County, will be under a red flag warning on Wednesday. — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
  1. warning
  2. sign
Noun
  • Some news stations would run a warning for viewers before the ad would air, as well as explain the FCC law requiring its airing.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Amazon's Accounting Sets A Shorter Clock Amazon's books offer a warning.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of warning
Noun
  • There are signs that domestic hardware is beginning to take a larger role.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The remnants of the Boston Market restaurant sign are still visible … but not for long.
    — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on red flag

Nglish: Translation of red flag for Spanish Speakers

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