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
Plenty of potential pitfalls remain ahead, including opposition from the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences.
—
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
There are still pitfalls to overcome, and the show risks becoming a victim of its own success, especially in terms of casting.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
The potential pitfall of that is diluting Walker’s effectiveness at his primary position.
—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Economist Matthew Fiedler, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, pointed out another potential pitfall with this approach.
—
Julie Appleby,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
There are still pitfalls to overcome, and the show risks becoming a victim of its own success, especially in terms of casting.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
The potential pitfall of that is diluting Walker’s effectiveness at his primary position.
—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Economist Matthew Fiedler, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, pointed out another potential pitfall with this approach.
—
Julie Appleby,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
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Traditional studios might adopt Chinese models for some preproduction tasks such as concepting, but the geopolitical and intellectual property risks for commercial generations are too prohibitive.
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Now in its 18th year, The Zac Foundation has provided free water safety camps to more than 25,000 kids in at-risk communities.
Noun
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Like Alito’s paisanes, my Mexican family was also demonized for supposedly being insufficiently American and posing a threat to national unity.
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Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.
Noun
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Keystone Walkabout 26Max Trailer This hitch-up-and-pull-behind trailer is for those who do everything but sit in camp.
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But once again, the party went without a hitch.
Noun
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Bikes on streets without bike lanes are a danger to bike riders.
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Riders, bicycle-makers, drivers, pedestrians and lawmakers need to have their heads on swivels, as some have been too complacent about the dangers.
Noun
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His administration has hit numerous snags in court, with judges reaffirming that the Constitution gives states — not the federal government — authority over elections.
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Gurman claims the foldable is still on track to arrive later this year, despite chatter about manufacturing snags.
Cite this Entry
“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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