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
One of the pitfalls of natural cleaners is that solutions must be well-balanced to be effective.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Bathrooms are functional spaces, so avoiding common renovating pitfalls is important.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 9 Mar. 2026
That’s a story about a composer, and the pitfalls of their ego.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Most everyone in attendance at 2220 seemed to be there to meet or support one of their favorite artists, one of the devout purists of our time who manages to remain that without getting smug, lazy or feral, all common pitfalls.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
The intense scrutiny on student walkouts thrust young people into new roles navigating the pitfalls, logistics and emotional debate of speaking out on a divisive political topic.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Character, which requires some luck to draft, can transcend the pitfalls of losing.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Legislators on Connecticut’s General Law Committee are considering a bill aimed at ensuring consumers understand the potential pitfalls of medical credit cards before signing up.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
To avoid potential pitfalls, choose crops that will work with your specific growing conditions.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Bathrooms are functional spaces, so avoiding common renovating pitfalls is important.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 9 Mar. 2026
That’s a story about a composer, and the pitfalls of their ego.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Most everyone in attendance at 2220 seemed to be there to meet or support one of their favorite artists, one of the devout purists of our time who manages to remain that without getting smug, lazy or feral, all common pitfalls.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
The intense scrutiny on student walkouts thrust young people into new roles navigating the pitfalls, logistics and emotional debate of speaking out on a divisive political topic.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Character, which requires some luck to draft, can transcend the pitfalls of losing.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Legislators on Connecticut’s General Law Committee are considering a bill aimed at ensuring consumers understand the potential pitfalls of medical credit cards before signing up.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
To avoid potential pitfalls, choose crops that will work with your specific growing conditions.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls
Noun
-
The risks increase with each infection.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Naloxone became widely available, restrictions on medications for opioid use disorder loosened, and communities educated people on the risks of fentanyl.—
Grey Gardner,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By processing large volumes of data quickly, AI can help determine which drones represent actual threats and which might be acting as decoys within a swarm.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
-
But Malema was convicted of hate speech for making threats last year, and his party won less than ten per cent of the national vote in the most recent South African election—hardly a ringing endorsement of his ideas.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 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
-
Normally restrictive about releasing information on Iranian hits and damage, Israeli authorities in recent days have sought to educate the public about their dangers, which can persist as unexploded bombs on the ground even after civilians leave shelters.—
Melanie Lidman,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
However, as in the case of watching a partial solar eclipse, there are inherent dangers in attempting to sight a comet so close to the sun.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
10 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
-
But the strategy has perils and pitfalls.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
But with new pleasures come new perils.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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