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
Relevance
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
The public saw the admonition as a red flag.
—
Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
While seemingly innocuous, the approach would have been concerning enough for just about anybody in those circumstances to set off a red flag, or at least raise a yellow one.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Feeling shame about drinking or needing alcohol to cope with emotions can also be red flags.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Earlier on Tuesday, a 20-year government bond auction failed to garner sufficient interest from investors, a red flag that exposed a lack of confidence.
—Martina Di Licosa, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
While seemingly innocuous, the approach would have been concerning enough for just about anybody in those circumstances to set off a red flag, or at least raise a yellow one.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Feeling shame about drinking or needing alcohol to cope with emotions can also be red flags.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Earlier on Tuesday, a 20-year government bond auction failed to garner sufficient interest from investors, a red flag that exposed a lack of confidence.
—Martina Di Licosa, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for red flag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag
Noun
-
Detectives determined that a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado travelling at a high rate of speed ran a red light while traveling southbound on MO-291 and struck the passenger side of the Ford Ranger that was northbound with a green light, court records say.—
PJ Green
January 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The camera program has reduced red light running at key intersections by 58% on average and is a key tool for improving safety, the PPA said in the announcement.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Authorities previously issued warnings after multiple people reported animal sightings near the hotel the day before, according to Jam Press.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Rather than simply issuing audible or visual warnings, the car may adjust cabin lighting, seat position, climate control, or gradually come to a complete stop automatically.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But absent any concerning signs that the labor market is falling a cliff, the Fed will also likely turn to inflation data for the cue on when to lower rates again.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Neither was there an army ready to defend Rapa Nui—crowds wielding spears and clubs were not uncommon in the Pacific—or any sign of violence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
