PITFALLS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

pitfalls

noun

plural of pitfall

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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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

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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 pitfalls The tension between the various competing interests is handled with nuance and without taking sides, all while showing both the pitfalls and the wondrous potential of this annual spectacle. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 The nightcap for this dance party of an album takes an honest look at the unforeseen pitfalls and points where success was not a certainty. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026 Many individuals fall prey to emotional pitfalls like fear, greed, or shame, leading to impulsive spending, credit card debt, and neglecting long-term goals like retirement. — Bygabriel Shahin, Forbes.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 Other Décor Mistakes While designers agree that a catalog-style room is one of the biggest decorating pitfalls, there are a few other details that can have a similar effect. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026 Plenty of potential pitfalls remain ahead, including opposition from the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. — Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls

Noun

But this should be guided and individualized by the right expert in terms of counseling and determining both the risks and benefits of sports based on the cardiac diagnosis and type of sport engaged in by the athlete.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
And the economic risks of higher inflation and lower consumption as a result of the fuel shortages could not have come at a worse time.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

In March, Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, condemned both US and Iranian threats to target civilian energy infrastructure.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Authorities said the inmate had been in custody since April 10, 2024, while awaiting trial on charges of robbery, criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and petty theft.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of threats

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
In Houston, some drivers were up to their trailer hitches in lapping waters, while photos from Waco, Texas, showed roadways washed away by the storms.

— Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 15 June 2026

Definition of hitches

Noun

Growing awareness of the dangers social media poses for young, developing brains has shown up in a wave of new restrictions globally.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
The dangers of turning insecurity into daily ritual For 20-year-old Kat, from New York, attempting to manifest appearance changes only worsened her self-loathing.

— Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026

Definition of dangers

Noun

Sexting in Suburbia is a dramatic look at the perils of sending compromising photos as a teenager, exploring the fallout of high school student Dina Van Cleve (Jenn Proske) dying by suicide and leaving her mom looking for answers.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Hollywood guilds are currently wrangling with the perils and possibilities of AI.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Definition of perils

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pitfall

pitfalls

pith

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“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfalls

noun

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