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

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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 No-Fail Chocolate Frosting This smooth, creamy, chocolate frosting is easy to make, with none of the potential pitfalls of fussy European buttercreams. — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Companies operate under this principle by tracking potential pitfalls and planning how to address them. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The courts blocked the policy a year later, but these pitfalls would prove hard for other states to overcome. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 30 July 2026 Below, experts share the advantages of using yogurt in your garden, along with practical application tips and common pitfalls to avoid. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026 These two issues coming to light in the same week suggest some coaches may need more extensive training or onboarding to make clear the pitfalls of drinking — even away from the club. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 The Importance of Trust While such alternative off-market business acquisition marketplaces certainly have their fair share of potential benefits, their use also comes with potential pitfalls. — William Jones, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Nick and Charlie have been at the center of the show’s love story, going through the heights and pitfalls of young love over three seasons. — Barry Levitt, Time, 17 July 2026 Unger, the bestselling author of 24 novels, wanted to center her new gothic thriller on the pitfalls of tech. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls

Noun

Measures to limit fire risks, such as bans on barbecues and certain outdoor work such as welding and use of electrical power saws are often ignored.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Potential monetary policy task force recommendations may involve less transparent communication, a smaller balance sheet with stability risks, and inflation metrics that produce a lower reading.

— David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

Secret Service officials have also highlighted threats against Trump from foreign actors, including Iran—amid the ongoing war.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Experts agree that even lower temperatures can pose health threats to vulnerable populations, especially when combined with high humidity.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 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

Because of his fame, McKenzie has been able to generate more attention for his crusade, appearing on cable news and writing op-eds about the dangers of cryptocurrency.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Public health messaging The specialists told ABC News that public health messaging about the dangers of drinking and smoking may be contributing to the declining rates of use.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of dangers

Noun

So now, more than a year later, and after hitting several snags along the way, the election-date change proposal has finally landed on the ballot, labeled Miami Referendum 1.

— Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Although viewed as a bar-setter, the Eagles could hit a few snags this season.

— Mike Jones, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of snags

Noun

Such is the case here, with Glenn Howerton delivering a masterclass on the perils of our increasingly tech-dependent world.

— Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
In Simulacra and Simulation, Jean Baudrillard famously explored the perils of living in a world of holograms.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Definition of perils

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pitfall

pitfalls

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“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfalls

noun

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