gotcha

noun

got·​cha ˈgä-chə 

: an unexpected usually disconcerting challenge, revelation, or catch

The program has a few gotchas for unsuspecting computer users.

also : an attempt to embarrass, expose, or disgrace someone (such as a politician) with a gotcha

… the moderators' claim that … a more or less uninterrupted stream of … gotchas was justified by focusing the debate on 'electability'.

—Josh Marshall

Synonyms of gotcha

• hitch
• risk
• pitfall
• snag
• catch
• land mine
• kicker

Examples of gotcha in a Sentence

The program has a few gotchas in store for unsuspecting computer users.

the gotcha in the low monthly rate quoted by the cable company is that it is a teaser and good for only six months

Recent Examples on the Web

There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

In one light, this is a real gotcha moment. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026

These popular videos focus on clip-worthy gotcha questions, one-line zingers and screaming matches edited for virality. —Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

Later, Molo’s attempt at a gotcha was further dampened when Altman’s lawyer, Savitt, re-examined Altman. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of got you

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gotcha

• caccia
• dacha