Synonyms of pitfall

pitfall

noun

ˈpit-ˌfȯl 

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

• risk
• hitch
• snag
• catch
• gotcha
• land mine
• kicker
• gimmick
• booby trap
• catch-22
• trap
• hazard
• peril
• joker
• snare
• web
• surprise
• trip wire
• bomb
• bombshell
• bait
• decoy
• lure

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

• threat
• danger
• risk
• menace
• peril
• hazard
• trouble
• imminence
• trap
• snare
• booby trap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protection
• ward
• guard
• shield
• refuge
• retreat
• harbor
• shelter
• safeguard
• asylum
• haven

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pitfall

Nick and Charlie have been at the center of the show’s love story, going through the heights and pitfalls of young love over three seasons. — Barry Levitt, Time, 17 July 2026

The bulk of the show, though, deals with the pitfalls of technology, modern consumer culture, and the modern media landscape, certainly realms more than familiar to science fiction. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026

The tension between the various competing interests is handled with nuance and without taking sides, all while showing both the pitfalls and the wondrous potential of this annual spectacle. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

The nightcap for this dance party of an album takes an honest look at the unforeseen pitfalls and points where success was not a certainty. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026