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
Her father’s memories Bass avoided the pitfalls that befell her father.
—
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
However, there can be pitfalls to quiet luxury.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
This year, extra pitfalls exist that could make taxpayers fumble and make a mistake on their tax return.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
However, there can be pitfalls to quiet luxury.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
This year, extra pitfalls exist that could make taxpayers fumble and make a mistake on their tax return.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
-
The risk remained even after researchers accounted for how closely people followed a healthy Mediterranean-style diet.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Of course, any intense media scrutiny risks being distracting, especially when it is not directly related to the work of the foundation.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump later dropped that threat.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Trump has been outspoken about his plans to acquire Greenland, citing national security threats from Russia and China.—
Sarah Davis,
The Hill,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With the snow and ice cleared from the track and grandstands, drivers have zoomed around the North Carolina short track built in Bowman Gray Stadium — a multi-use facility that also hosts Winston-Salem State University football games — and went through practice and qualifying without a hitch.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Feb. 2026
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Montreal’s game against Minnesota appeared to go off without a hitch.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The firm ran ads warning of the dangers of marijuana during the weeks leading up to the vote on the Amendment 3, which won approval from 56% of Florida voters but failed to reach the 60% threshold needed to become law.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
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The scenes playing out in Minneapolis in recent weeks offer an object lesson in the dangers of federal overreach.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The sheets felt slightly softer after washing and drying them, and there were no snags, tears, loose threads, or color fading.—
Brandi Fuller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Long delayed by weather, the flight had overcome two last-minute snags caused by seemingly minor computer and weather problems.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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