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

To be clear, the novel is careful not to be some sort of a takedown or gotcha novel. —David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025

Yes, only to pop out and say, gotcha. —ABC News, 21 Dec. 2025

Martin, who watches the conference from his office with Rick, has journalists in the room who throw gotcha questions at Benitez. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

At a Black Bear party, gotcha reporters and leering industry types jockey to meet her. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of got you

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gotcha

• caccia
• dacha