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 Every new pitfall is an opportunity for discussion. Esther Freud, Vogue, 2 July 2025 Made in Lowell by a Harvard and MIT grad, Meli ($17 a four pack) aims to avoid the pitfalls of many beers, such as being too heavy or bitter, by brewing the brew with organic quinoa and zero sugar. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025 Beware the pitfalls As exciting as agentic AI with BDI models can be, there are also potential downsides. Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Even Wolfe Herd admitted the pitfalls of dating apps. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
  • And while the gas is well known for its short-term risks in occupational settings, less is known about the consequences of long-term exposure.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Some of the region's most prolific developers, architects, construction firms and more risk losing work if developers can't use tax credits to bring derelict buildings back to life.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • For residents in the New York tristate area, the threat is particularly severe.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • Why This Work Matters Now Quantum threats may still be several years away—but cryptographic systems have long lifecycles.
    Dino DiMarino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The show began without a hitch, but about 20 to 25 minutes later, there were whispers of confusion, then a panicked commotion.
    Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
  • Priyanka's promo for Heads of State appears to have gone off without a hitch otherwise.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • In Mamdani’s case, religion and ideology were often conflated to create a dual narrative of threat—where being Muslim and socialist were seen as mutually reinforcing dangers.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 9 July 2025
  • Recent flash flooding in Texas, New Mexico and North Carolina is highlighting the extreme dangers that these raging torrents of water can bring to communities in a matter of minutes.
    July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Hazards such as stump holes, ash pits, and hazard trees (snags) are still present within the burn area.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • The Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that a transaction could be finalized in the coming weeks, barring any last-minute snags.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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