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
Among the pitfalls, according to the professor, are a lack of detailed lesson plans and a comprehensive list of course materials in Uthmeier’s syllabi.
—
Garrett Shanley Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than trying to navigate the pitfalls of vessel sinks, many designers prefer under-mount or drop-in sinks, which allow for easier cleaning and a more modern and seamless appearance.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Our experts warn against these common pitfalls when steam cleaning.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
The 'fun' parent loves to play and always says yes to every game—but there are pitfalls to this parenting dynamic.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026
There are numerous pitfalls with this strategy, but Crow-Armstrong is doing his best not to think about mechanics when the games start and to instead trust that the work will pay off.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Coleslaw also suffers from the same pitfalls when purchased premade from the store.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Some law enforcement agencies are aware of the pitfalls of drug test evidence.
—Shoshana Walter, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Why beginners often overspend on gold When just starting, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend on gold.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Garrett Shanley Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Rather than trying to navigate the pitfalls of vessel sinks, many designers prefer under-mount or drop-in sinks, which allow for easier cleaning and a more modern and seamless appearance.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Our experts warn against these common pitfalls when steam cleaning.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
The 'fun' parent loves to play and always says yes to every game—but there are pitfalls to this parenting dynamic.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026
There are numerous pitfalls with this strategy, but Crow-Armstrong is doing his best not to think about mechanics when the games start and to instead trust that the work will pay off.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Coleslaw also suffers from the same pitfalls when purchased premade from the store.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Some law enforcement agencies are aware of the pitfalls of drug test evidence.
—Shoshana Walter, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Why beginners often overspend on gold When just starting, several pitfalls can cause investors to overspend on gold.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
-
Handling sick or dead wild birds can spread the virus and pose risks to people, pets, and domestic flocks.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Experts say people should know their rights but caution that exercising them can come with risks, and people need to balance First Amendment freedoms with their own safety.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Department of Homeland Security said it’s been in contact with churches in Springfield about the threats.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Maybe if Miami had added a quarterback better than Mike White and Skylar Thompson in the 2024 offseason, let’s say veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Tagovailoa’s threats to sit out training camp, and the exhibition season wouldn’t have been so scary to McDaniel.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 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
-
Educational materials on the dangers of driving under the influence will be handed out to those who go through the checkpoint.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
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Whether your location will experience a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse, the dangers are the same.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Your precise eye fixes friction early by making adjustments that prevent snags and give your bonds room to blossom.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Silky and quiet, the 10-denier nylon (100 percent recycled) proved durable enough to resist snags or rips over two years of heavy use in Colorado’s high peaks.—
Kelly Bastone,
Outside,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The monks’ trek has had its perils.—
Deepa Bharath,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
While the Guthrie disappearance is a rare but horrifying instance of the perils of an elderly person living alone, many families struggle with worry and concern over older relatives who live by themselves.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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