RED FLAG Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

red flag

noun

Definition of red flag

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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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 Villa rushed for 270 yards and four touchdowns, but giving up over 300 yards against Valencia raises red flags. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026 Lack of reviews, poor ratings or missing licenses are red flags. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Student loan expert Mark Kantrowitz says one of the biggest red flags is a company asking you to pay before providing a service. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 For Gold, one of the biggest red flags when bringing someone new into the group is a lack of openness. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red flag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flag

Noun

Less pleading and more of a warning, Beyoncé’s version of the beloved hit features different lyrics and an introduction that directly references the original track.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
The letter adds to a growing chorus of warnings about the dangers associated with advanced AI and comes shortly after a series of high-profile incidents in which flagship models tested by Anthropic and OpenAI breached testing safeguards.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of warning

Noun

But rather than placing a higher hurdle on the bill, the maneuver is considered a sign of its popularity as a temporary stopgap.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Mars in your sign challenges disciplined Saturn, creating the deeply irritating experience of feeling motivated and blocked at the same time.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sign

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red-eyes

red flag

red flags

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“Red flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flag. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of red flag

noun

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