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 forthcoming guide, which education officials have described as a first step toward a more comprehensive handbook to be issued at a later date, is coming as families and teachers are deeply divided and anxious about the potential — and pitfalls — of the new technology.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
For all its divine ambition, the series falls victim to the same old pitfalls that have sunk biopics of so many lesser mortals.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
This is a great breakdown of the pitfalls of blind submissions that offers clear steps filmmakers can take to craft a festival strategy that fits their specific project.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
There are still potential pitfalls.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
Here, three interior designers chime in with five things that make backyards look bad and why—be sure to steer clear of these pitfalls at all costs.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Her presentation went over steps needed to take to register to vote, common pitfalls, ballot security and new laws.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Survey pitfalls Weaknesses in survey models are sharper in primaries because turnout is low and voting histories of those taking part are less reliable than in higher profile general elections.
—Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
But the strategy has perils and pitfalls.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
For all its divine ambition, the series falls victim to the same old pitfalls that have sunk biopics of so many lesser mortals.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
This is a great breakdown of the pitfalls of blind submissions that offers clear steps filmmakers can take to craft a festival strategy that fits their specific project.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
There are still potential pitfalls.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
Here, three interior designers chime in with five things that make backyards look bad and why—be sure to steer clear of these pitfalls at all costs.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Her presentation went over steps needed to take to register to vote, common pitfalls, ballot security and new laws.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Survey pitfalls Weaknesses in survey models are sharper in primaries because turnout is low and voting histories of those taking part are less reliable than in higher profile general elections.
—Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
But the strategy has perils and pitfalls.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
-
While there are many benefits to a candidate having an active online presence, such as greater outreach or higher fundraising, the risks of polarizing voters and harming the campaign’s reputation are even greater.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Creative risks aren’t too dangerous, as long as you’re supported by the proper structure.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Still, Microsoft’s threats to sue OpenAI — scooped by the FT — signify an escalating fight that won’t end particularly well if the two sides can’t hash out a deal.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Install strong antivirus software on your devices to help detect malware, phishing links and credential-stealing threats that could target you after a breach.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But her journey hasn’t been without a few hitches.—
Aaron Tolentino,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Among many Niger Deltans, there’s a mixture of ignorance, nonchalance, and clenched resignation around the industry’s environmental dangers, which take a back seat as folks get on with the business of everyday survival.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, also says Meta hasn't fully disclosed or addressed the dangers of social media addiction.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The historical State Line Bridge on the Kankakee River has attracted many snags over the decades, obstructing the flow of water.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Leave Dead Trees Many owls nest in or on top of snags, or dead trees that are still standing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Christians in medieval and early modern Europe, traveling overland and by sea to reach the Holy Land took time and means, and the journey involved many perils.—
Sarah Kozlowski,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
That’s partly because countries around the world have begun to enact measures aimed at safeguarding youth from the perils of social media.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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