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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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 Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former nurse and women’s health and fitness coach, told Patient that hunching is the biggest pitfall. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 Here’s what all three dietitians identified as pitfalls of the plan. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026 But Sam and Cecily's immersion into the tech industry comes with its pitfalls. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Some founders on the second go-around choose to self-fund and avoid the pitfalls of venture capital. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
  • Many who rely on copper-wire landlines live in remote rural areas, but some also live in the hills and canyons of major metro areas like Los Angeles, where cell and internet service is patchy and the risk of natural disasters is high.
    Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The goal is to improve inspection quality while reducing the risks associated with labor-intensive maintenance work.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • But the threat of a partial collapse Tuesday by one such conversion in progress highlighted the significant challenges of those construction projects.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Mike Bland told The Times the officer’s name has not been released because of an investigation into threats against him.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • All six exterior colors are included in the price and a tow hitch comes standard.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Bikes on streets without bike lanes are a danger to bike riders.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Riders, bicycle-makers, drivers, pedestrians and lawmakers need to have their heads on swivels, as some have been too complacent about the dangers.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • His administration has hit numerous snags in court, with judges reaffirming that the Constitution gives states — not the federal government — authority over elections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Gurman claims the foldable is still on track to arrive later this year, despite chatter about manufacturing snags.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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