pitfall

noun

ˈpit-ˌfȯl How to pronounce pitfall (audio)
Definition of pitfallnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pitfall However, industry leaders caution against haphazard AI adoption, emphasizing that strategic, disciplined implementation is crucial to avoid significant financial pitfalls. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Congress is debating the potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence as products like ChatGPT raise questions about the future of creative industries and the ability to tell fact from fiction. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 The biggest potential pitfall of too much full-fat dairy is its high fat content, according to experts. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The aim has been to make clear the limitations and pitfalls of the available military options, including those that do not involve putting US boots on the ground, the sources said. — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
  1. risk
  2. threat
  3. hitch
  4. danger
  5. snag
Noun
  • The high risk of – and challenges of addressing – oil spills and other safety incidents in the hostile Arctic climate are another dissuading factor, as are environmental costs of operating there.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight a shift in wind direction raised the risk that the flames could reach Gey by morning, prompting officials to order the initial evacuation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • The goal is also to keep the aircraft adaptable as threats and military requirements change.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Firms in the Program may receive threat information from other private entities and from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies, and may propose operations to the NCC.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • Sale appeared to have a slight hitch in his leg before starting his motion when he was called for his third career balk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson had a line-of-scrimmage tackle on a quick hitch to Malik Washington.
    — Omar Kelly August 6, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • What the Mets learned at those positions in 2026 is the danger of counting on one player — aside from All-Star-level contributors — when faced with underperformance or injury.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The government had shown no information that the immigrant was a danger or flight risk, Winmill said.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of danger
Noun
  • Why Chess Can’t Do What This Hobby Does Cognitive training research keeps running into a snag psychologists call the far transfer problem.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Back up in his own end zone, Robinson blew past outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, made the snag from Tagovailoa and jogged the rest of the way to the goal line.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of snag

Browse Nearby Words

piteous
pitfall
pitfalls
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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pitfall for Spanish Speakers

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