PITFALL Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

pitfall

noun

ˈpit-ˌfȯl

Definition of pitfall

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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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

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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 Amazon has already grappled with the pitfalls of encouraging AI use for its own sake. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 That doesn’t mean, however, that the show’s creator and stars have been able to avoid the same pitfalls as their characters. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 This highly adaptable plant seems to thrive on neglect—though overwatering, especially in a low-light space, is a common pitfall. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 Oct. 2026 My parents were always a bit concerned about nightlife, drugs, all the pitfalls of what the nightlife could be. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall

Noun

Kim called for a public nonprofit disaster insurance program that would cover wildfire risks for existing homes.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
The cold-testing program is intended to identify potential problems before the magnets are integrated into the machine, reducing risks during commissioning and future operation.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Fiscal threats from Washington are putting our financial future at risk.

— Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
The systems also have the ability to react to drone threats that are detected using both passive and active sensor systems, such as electro-optical and infrared cameras, or Ku-band radars.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

Beil says the two are talking to Hatch about hosting the show there long-term, but there is one hitch.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Taking a quick step back, Madsen found freshman receiver Rasean Jones on a quick hitch down the left sideline — and enough for the first down.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hitch

Noun

Pinch-runner Cedric Mullins replaced Caminero before DeLuca, who had made sparkling catches to deny Yelich in the third and William Contreras in the fourth, hit a grounder past the mound as Drohan tried in vain to make a behind-the-back snag.

— Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
New Denim had a tighter weave to resist snags and tears and was stronger and more durable than other denim, yet still pliable and comfortable.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of snag

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piteous

pitfall

pitfalls

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Style

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfall

noun

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