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
The Bruins’ success in the batter’s box also has helped raise the tide of a team that could’ve fallen into many pitfalls.
—
Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
The patient who is using this must understand the limitations and pitfalls of these platforms.
—Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
All Californians will feel the effect, and the pitfalls that will come are not worth the risk.
—Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Trapasso says these are trendy pitfalls that can have potential buyers turning right back around.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
But there's also some pitfalls.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 May 2026
This came with its own risks, intellectual pitfalls that the researchers were careful to avoid.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 May 2026
But some are discovering that chasing clout comes with pitfalls.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
But the latest version of the proposal seemingly sidesteps those political and legal pitfalls.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
The patient who is using this must understand the limitations and pitfalls of these platforms.
—Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
All Californians will feel the effect, and the pitfalls that will come are not worth the risk.
—Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Trapasso says these are trendy pitfalls that can have potential buyers turning right back around.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
But there's also some pitfalls.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 May 2026
This came with its own risks, intellectual pitfalls that the researchers were careful to avoid.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 May 2026
But some are discovering that chasing clout comes with pitfalls.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
But the latest version of the proposal seemingly sidesteps those political and legal pitfalls.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
-
Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
These major crimes generally affect residents, according to experts, but that doesn’t mean visitors won’t face risks.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Autonomous task forces of drones could be assigned to defend against specific threats — Russian subs sneaking into the Atlantic Ocean, say, or a possible amphibious landing on Taiwan.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
What’s more, Rick can’t get through to Danny, because the pop star’s brash and aggressive manager (Jack Reynor) refuses to put Rick through, and responds to his claims with threats.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The incidents involving contact with chains, trailer hitches, poles, and curbs indicate recurring limitations in detecting smaller or irregular obstacles, especially during reversing maneuvers.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
-
All three of these Yakima racks use trailer hitches for mounting, rather than suction, roof racks, or your rear door.—
Andrew P. Collins,
The Drive,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The animal pads beside her, companion and protector, its golden eyes scanning the landscape around them for predators or potential dangers, as it has been trained to do.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
The book circles political concerns that remain relevant today, including empire, caste prejudice, and the dangers of despotism and corruption.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The gold plates effortlessly glided through both my real hair and the clip-ins, straightening them evenly without any snags.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
-
Jessica Sanders, the executive director of Sacramento Tree Foundation, said stumps could be used as habitats for snags, owls or other wildlife.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
In Season 3, such perils are compounded by the economic malaise affecting Gen Z-ers in their twenties.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
-
Those perils mean the breakneck rescue is being conducted at a snail's pace, all while the miner's face dangers including hypothermia, carbon dioxide poisoning and shortages of food and water.—
Matt Gutman,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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