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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Recent Examples of red flags
Many demand precise projections, treating volatile margins as red flags.
—
Jacob Bennett, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
But by then, your financials may show slowing sales or shrinking margins—both red flags for lenders.
—Joe Camberato, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The investigations also revealed a string of red flags that authorities should have taken note of to stop Aber’s misconduct sooner, said attorney Neil Singh Sandhu, who is representing some of the women in the lawsuits.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
The transfer raised some red flags for the senator, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In a 2024 study, scientists taped red flags taped to crickets’ hind legs to imitate the matador bugs and see how predatory birds responded.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
The goal is to exercise in ways that feel challenging but manageable, not to push through red flags.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
As an employee, recognizing the red flags early is critical to protect both your mental health and career growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
With this knowledge, CR decided to test several popular toddler towers themselves to alert caregivers to any safety red flags.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
Jacob Bennett, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
But by then, your financials may show slowing sales or shrinking margins—both red flags for lenders.
—Joe Camberato, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The investigations also revealed a string of red flags that authorities should have taken note of to stop Aber’s misconduct sooner, said attorney Neil Singh Sandhu, who is representing some of the women in the lawsuits.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
The transfer raised some red flags for the senator, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In a 2024 study, scientists taped red flags taped to crickets’ hind legs to imitate the matador bugs and see how predatory birds responded.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
The goal is to exercise in ways that feel challenging but manageable, not to push through red flags.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
As an employee, recognizing the red flags early is critical to protect both your mental health and career growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
With this knowledge, CR decided to test several popular toddler towers themselves to alert caregivers to any safety red flags.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
In the last three years, police have issued more than 180 e-bike citations and 230 warnings for violations that include running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, riding on sidewalks and engaging in hazardous riding behaviors.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Sep. 2025
-
City surveillance cameras allegedly showed Macias failing to stop for multiple red lights and hitting a vehicle at Pershing Road and Main Street shortly before the fatal crash.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In recent years, Grupo Firme, Fuerza Regida, and Peso Pluma have received similar warnings from different cartels, prompting them to cancel shows to protect themselves and their fans.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
-
France’s cyber defense agency CERT-FR has confirmed the latest such warnings have just been issued.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Many of the protesters held anti-Trump signs and Palestinian flags.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
-
More than thirty signs referencing racial discrimination and the hostile attitudes of white people to those who were formerly enslaved will come down or be partially covered.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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