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

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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

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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 Avoid these timing pitfalls by following a few best-practice fertilizer tips for a lush, healthy lawn and surrounding ecosystem. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2025 But the idea faces a host of potential pitfalls and a long road ahead. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025 Companies that master security reviews in this new era could turn compliance into a competitive advantage, winning trust from clients and partners wary of regulatory pitfalls. Pukar Hamal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 To distance international institutions from the pitfalls of power politics is also to divorce them from the rejuvenating spring of national politics. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
  • The study also found that swapping potatoes for whole grains lowered diabetes risk even more.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, many still choose to take the risk to come to this country in search of safety and opportunity.
    Sam Wolson, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Renee Pesci, executive director of the Arts & Business Council of Miami, says that with the latest threats, the arts community has been mobilizing — organizing to show up at budget meetings and requesting meetings with the mayor and county commissioners.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond that, Erin may be pushed into a turn to the north — but where and when that happens will determine its threat to Florida or other parts of the eastern seaboard.
    David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • After a bit of suspense over whether or not Mrs. Astor would attend, Mrs. Astor showed up as a sign of support, and Bertha's ball went off without a hitch.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The wedding of Sophie and Edward went on without a hitch in June 1999.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The real danger is the undermining of one of the last great advantages the United States had over many of its competitors: policy stability.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Removing and dismantling someone’s RV takes away their shelter from wind, rain and the dangers of the street, as well as their ability to store water and cook food.
    Sean Geary, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Then comes the other source of snags: the differences among partners that develop as any plan comes together.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 29 July 2025
  • The back-and-forth over the yearlong negotiation process has hit another snag after apparent mixed messaging between the city and the union.
    Alex Brizee July 18, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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