pitfalls

Definition of pitfallsnext
plural of pitfall
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

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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

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 Travel experts explain how to earn more points, avoid common pitfalls, and get top-tier value from your miles. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026 Anecdotally, though, consumers have said prediction markets present similar pitfalls as traditional sportsbooks. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Topics include how to raise money, building stronger donor relationships and avoiding common pitfalls. Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026 Avoid these pitfalls by incorporating this clever electric spin scrubber into your routine. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Understanding how things operate, how to win around the restraints and the unique pitfalls are all part of success in the world of the Brown family ownership. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 These pitfalls give minimalism a bad name and can make your home feel sterile and uninviting rather than calm and welcoming. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026 Before hopping onto the procedure, avoid the subsequent 10 key pitfalls to aid in smoother treatment and recovery. Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025 Keep these common pitfalls in mind to avoid scratches and stains. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
  • Proper humidifier placement protects your home and health by preventing mold, moisture damage, and safety risks.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The risks inherent in the LBO structure are exacerbated by the amount of debt PSKY must incur, its current financial position and future prospects, as well as the lengthy period to close the transaction – which PSKY itself estimates to be 12-18 months following signing.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is now making ominous threats to Cuba.
    Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has issued direct threats against each regime, intensifying the pressure on Tehran and Caracas alike.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Many have had the wheels or hitches removed years ago.
    Cassie Powell, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The two-door, three-person Can-Am Defender Limited and the four-door, six-person Defender Max Limited have 82-horsepower engines, power steering, tow hitches with a 2,500-pound towing capacity, winches, air conditioning and heating, a full hard roof and a three-position tilt-up glass windshield.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The congresswoman’s statement recognized the tension between satisfaction over Maduro’s removal and concern for the dangers ahead.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Below, Hoozeer and Böhm talk to Deadline about the emotional vulnerabilities and dangers of war.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Negotiations have hit snags at several points in the weeks since.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The dryer weakens the delicate threads and the motion can cause tears and snags.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The increasing perils faced by mediators, coupled with the complexity of contemporary conflicts, demand that states and multilateral institutions must pool their experience, capacity and resources more effectively.
    Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
  • So what are some ways parents can safeguard their young boys from any potential perils?
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 1 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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