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
Unexpected logouts or security alerts are also red flags.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
If markets were to panic about Uncle Sam’s spending, bond yields would be among the earliest red flags to go up.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Several things, Janicki alleges, stood out as red flags and are pointed out in the suit.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
These are red flags worth watching.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Plus, a chatbot can’t catch subtle red flags (a downward look, a body posture, a quiet tone) that may indicate a person is in crisis.
—Brianna Hardcastle, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Certain friendship red flags are universally understood.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
Tarzan This late-episode highlight just has a very funny conceit (Tarzan breaks up with Jane after noticing several red flags) paired with a host who has the benefit of having played this character before in a big-budget film.
—Charu Sinha, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
If markets were to panic about Uncle Sam’s spending, bond yields would be among the earliest red flags to go up.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Several things, Janicki alleges, stood out as red flags and are pointed out in the suit.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
These are red flags worth watching.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Plus, a chatbot can’t catch subtle red flags (a downward look, a body posture, a quiet tone) that may indicate a person is in crisis.
—Brianna Hardcastle, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Certain friendship red flags are universally understood.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
Tarzan This late-episode highlight just has a very funny conceit (Tarzan breaks up with Jane after noticing several red flags) paired with a host who has the benefit of having played this character before in a big-budget film.
—Charu Sinha, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
With the incessant storms that year, bush pilots said red lights would be easier to see than the current blue ones.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The system enforces a state law requiring other vehicles to come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Civil rights organizations were receiving quiet warnings from legal counsel.—
Adrianne Wright,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Members hold signs at busy traffic intersections and highway overpasses during morning and afternoon rush hours.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death, explained Someone experiencing a PE might not present any symptoms; common signs include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, raised heart rate and unusually low blood pressure.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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