1
as in risks
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
buying a house can be full of pitfalls for the unwary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in threats
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
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Recent Examples of pitfalls
Some law enforcement agencies are aware of the pitfalls of drug test evidence.
—
Shoshana Walter, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Why beginners often overspend on gold When just starting, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend on gold.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
On paper, at least, Disney has set up D’Amaro and Walden to navigate the many pitfalls such a scenario poses by giving the new CEO and chief creative officer roles that are distinct and complementary.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Jennifer Esposito is opening up about the pitfalls of self-financing an indie movie.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
Her father’s memories Bass avoided the pitfalls that befell her father.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
However, there can be pitfalls to quiet luxury.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
This year, extra pitfalls exist that could make taxpayers fumble and make a mistake on their tax return.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Shoshana Walter, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Why beginners often overspend on gold When just starting, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend on gold.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
On paper, at least, Disney has set up D’Amaro and Walden to navigate the many pitfalls such a scenario poses by giving the new CEO and chief creative officer roles that are distinct and complementary.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Jennifer Esposito is opening up about the pitfalls of self-financing an indie movie.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
Her father’s memories Bass avoided the pitfalls that befell her father.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
However, there can be pitfalls to quiet luxury.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
This year, extra pitfalls exist that could make taxpayers fumble and make a mistake on their tax return.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
-
Onana has spent time in the gym and with doctors to understand his injury problems and how best to manage the risks.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This email was sent in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
According to court documents, Shadbar became agitated and threatened to kill the family, using a racist slur in his threats, presumably directed at Robertson’s sons who are Black.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 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
-
But producers, presenters and winners soldiered on with few hitches.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
19 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The conservationist Rachel Carson made many Americans aware of the dangers of pesticides for the first time in her 1962 bestseller Silent Spring.—
Annie Levin,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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Plaintiffs also accuse the companies of failing to warn users about the risks of using their products and of deliberately concealing their dangers.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The sheets felt slightly softer after washing and drying them, and there were no snags, tears, loose threads, or color fading.—
Brandi Fuller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
-
The slaying dramatized the perils faced by journalists in Mexico, where scores have been slain in recent years.—
Foreign Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Inchauspé agrees and has spoken to Vogue in the past about the perils of the choice.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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