red flags

noun

plural of red flag
as in red lights
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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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 flags The poor decision-making, surprisingly shaky accuracy, inability to elevate a weak supporting cast and difficulty moving through progressions quickly are all serious red flags. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 Also last year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s admission that an AI bubble exists and Michael Burry’s bearish bets represented more red flags. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Francis seemed fine — at first To those who knew and loved her, Francis appeared fine and never raised any red flags. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026 But Craig Holman, a lobbyist with the government accountability nonprofit advocacy group Public Citizen, told the AP that Marshall’s actions raised ethical red flags. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Some recent projects undertaken by the organization raised red flags, say the board. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 At the event, people handed out red flags, symbolizing their desire for bloody vengeance. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 DraftKings told Pearson that if a customer’s behavior raises too many red flags, the company will proactively close an account. — ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026 Israel hadn’t raised red flags on any passenger or member of the crew, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to reporters about the probe. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
  1. red lights
  2. warnings
  3. signs
Noun
  • Around midnight, Bethune walked into the parking lot, where the men approached him in a gray 2026 Toyota Camry equipped with flashing blue and red lights, according to Fagan and Johnson’s arrest affidavits.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The program is intended to discourage dangerous driving and reinforce the importance of stopping for school buses when their red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended.
    — Logan Hall, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of red lights
Noun
  • The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for Orange and San Diego counties from Sunday morning to midday Thursday.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Flood warnings are also in place, while airports, ferries, railways and roads have seen disruptions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of warnings
Noun
  • Every year after Halloween, Spirit Halloween’s stores empty out and the signs come down.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Watch for unusual phone behavior An infected phone may show signs such as unexplained mobile data usage, excessive background activity, unexpected advertisements or apps appearing without your permission.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of signs

Browse Nearby Words

red flag
red flags
red giant
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Cite this Entry

“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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