1
as in risk
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
buying a house can be full of pitfalls for the unwary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
one of the pitfalls of ignorance is that people will also assume you're stupid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pitfall
The first would be a top-down, macro-political approach that examined the pitfalls of applying the castle doctrine to a racially stratified country with more guns than people.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
Bullock told Newsweek about both the strengths and pitfalls of the framework.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Yet, many senior professionals fall into common CV pitfalls that can hinder their chances of standing out.
—Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
The movie falls into the body-horror genre so Sue gruesomely emerges out of a slit in Elisabeth’s spine and, as their relationship becomes more and more destructive, both their bodies decay in a parable about the pitfalls of chasing eternal youth.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pitfall 
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
Bullock told Newsweek about both the strengths and pitfalls of the framework.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Yet, many senior professionals fall into common CV pitfalls that can hinder their chances of standing out.
—Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
The movie falls into the body-horror genre so Sue gruesomely emerges out of a slit in Elisabeth’s spine and, as their relationship becomes more and more destructive, both their bodies decay in a parable about the pitfalls of chasing eternal youth.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
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What To Know Only one item remains in the five-year suit: whether China, which hoarded masks and other personal protective equipment, drove up costs for Missourians and put them at risk.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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But the blanket Trump pay-to-quit offer–reportedly driven by Elon Musk–ignores a big risk: That the top performers, with the most marketable skills, will take the money and run.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Other company leaders voiced their concerns about the threat of tariffs ahead of Saturday’s order.—
Kristian Burt,
CNBC,
2 Feb. 2025
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With the constant threat of deportation hanging over his head, yet unwilling to abandon her search for Kyoko, Ono was faced with an impossible decision.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This arrangement is great for saving on overhead by as much as 40%, as well as tapping into specialized expertise that can ensure your books are closed out flawlessly, and that your tax documents are ready for the new year without a hitch.—
William Mullane,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
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Both hilarity and chaos ensue when the father of one bride (Ferrell) and sister of the other bride (Witherspoon) go head-to-head in their very determined efforts to ensure their families’ respective special celebrations go off without a hitch.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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For residents, parents and students, the danger is clear and present every day.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
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No player made more than the Netherlands international’s 27 defensive actions, but this was by design rather than luck with his manager fully aware of the danger Bournemouth pose down the flanks.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In thinking of the rights of families of the dead, there’s a significant snag: Who counts as family?—
Tyler McBrien,
The Dial,
28 Jan. 2025
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Ali looked matter-of-fact, as if the instance had been a slight snag.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near pitfall
Cite this Entry
“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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