as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
removal of the tree stump left a gaping pit in the yard
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Recent Examples of pit
George Avalos, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026
In an adjoining Victorian cabin is Il Baretto, the restaurant’s cocktail bar, where après unfolds around a fire pit with a DJ.
—Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Mann’s movies are interested in the tension that results when two individuals pit their independent lives against a near-inexplicable desire for each other.
—Jesse Raub, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pit
Noun
The 6001 America Center building features an outdoor seating area, fire pits, collaboration spaces, and courts for basketball, pickleball, and other sports.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026
In an adjoining Victorian cabin is Il Baretto, the restaurant’s cocktail bar, where après unfolds around a fire pit with a DJ.
—Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
In a week, the big game will pit Indiana University against the University of Miami.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Mann’s movies are interested in the tension that results when two individuals pit their independent lives against a near-inexplicable desire for each other.
—Jesse Raub, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pit
Noun
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This week’s forecast, appropriately enough, calls for sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s for the 72-hole event.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Across the street, crime scene investigators took photos of a silver Chevy car, which had at least one bullet hole in its front windshield.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If a can is bulging, swollen, rusted or badly dented, throw it out.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Another round of tariffs, coupled with European retaliation, could reignite fears of a US slowdown, while denting Europe’s GDP, Goldman Sachs analysts said.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There were also punctures on the outer table of the skull, injuries to the teeth and tongue, and a hemorrhage into the chest cavities, according to the filing.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
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In addition, the three species may huddle together in a tree cavity or nest box to share warmth and survive extremely cold nights.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Each attachment can connect to an extra-long, 22-foot hose that doesn’t kink, and is flexible enough to easily maneuver around obstacles and corners.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
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The container should be big enough to accommodate the roots without bending or kinking them.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pit. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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