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

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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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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 So, cutting Robinson for cap savings without a shrewd plan could lead to eventual pitfalls. Mike Kaye updated January 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2026 Usha Vance, the nation's second lady and wife of Vice President JD Vance, has spent her family's first year in office familiarizing herself with the pitfalls and pleasantries of public service. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 Richt, 35 and the son of longtime Georgia coach Mark Richt, has been around the sport long enough to understand the approach to recruiting, but also the pitfalls. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026 This elegant hideaway isn't new to the perks and pitfalls of high society, either. Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
  • For example, states would be required to have agreements with the attorney general's office to share information about potential voter fraud or risk losing federal election funds in 2026.
    LISA MASCARO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The results noted a significant increase in risk of major cardiovascular events, including a 29% higher likelihood of heart attack, 20% higher risk of stroke and twice the chances of cardiovascular death.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, was charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • European allies welcomed news of the framework, but some warned that the damage to the EU-US relationship is already done, even after the US backed away from threats to hit them with additional trade tariffs over their opposition to a US takeover.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The draft horse shows this week during the stock show’s 120th anniversary will include 15 six-horse hitches, or six horses pulling a wagon.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The same people saying this deal was done without a hitch on Wednesday night are the same people now chasing The News’ information that the power dynamic in the Giants’ organization is what created a delay here.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The usage has also led to improved community engagement surrounding the dangers of celebratory gunfire, an issue that has plagued Kansas City for years, Becchina said.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
  • This windfall and the attendant political benefits for the governor have come at public expense, as the dangers of marijuana become tragically apparent.
    Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Long delayed by weather, the flight had overcome two last-minute snags caused by seemingly minor computer and weather problems.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Production snags have hampered the comeback bid, a disappointment for investors who anticipated more of a boost from new products.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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