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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

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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 That seems like a no-brainer but there are pitfalls waiting for the unprepared tree planter. — Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2026 Here’s how the restraining order process is supposed to work — and the pitfalls that prevent many applications from moving forward. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 John Madden‘s Onwards and Sideways succeeds better than most in avoiding the pitfalls. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 Some clubs provide educational workshops to parents on the processes involved and highlighting the potential pitfalls of being caught breaking Premier League and/or FA rules. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
  1. risk
  2. threat
  3. hitch
  4. danger
  5. snag
Noun
  • That designation serves as a clear reminder of the elevated risks accompanying potential high yields.
    — , CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Presley Gerber’s death at age 27 has renewed questions about overdose risk, withdrawal complications and the challenges of addiction recovery.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • Days later, facing the credible threat of losing a third consecutive star on the eve of ticket sales opening, Boston moved, agreeing to a record $331 million deal.
    — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • This perception of threat, intertwined with a harsh interpretation of religious morality, dominated 17th-century life, with the optimistic, protective and compassionate aspects of Christianity often overpowered by fear and a desire to judge.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • That type of physicality can come in handy on plays like quick hitches, screens, drags run over the middle of the field.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Iconic views of both sea and Grand Prix road below the cantilevered hills ensure that guests slide into the prestigious fantasy of the place with nary a hitch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • The concern has reached Capitol Hill, where lawmakers held a briefing behind closed doors earlier this month about AI’s dangers.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The broader concept envisions robots entering dangerous areas after sensors identify a threat, reducing the need to expose soldiers to direct danger.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of danger
Noun
  • All three films also emphasize the physical toll of the urge to smash, snag, and steal.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Evans explains that a dead or dying tree, typically called a snag, provides ecosystem benefits, including habitat for birds and other wildlife, food and shelter for insects, and organic matter and structure for soil health.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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