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
Relevance
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
Usha Vance, the nation's second lady and wife of Vice President JD Vance, has spent her family's first year in office familiarizing herself with the pitfalls and pleasantries of public service.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Richt, 35 and the son of longtime Georgia coach Mark Richt, has been around the sport long enough to understand the approach to recruiting, but also the pitfalls.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The best advisors coordinate with each other to manage negotiations, anticipate pitfalls, and safeguard your interests from start to finish.
—John Hall, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
This elegant hideaway isn't new to the perks and pitfalls of high society, either.
—Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2026
Yes, Edwards-Helaire was never the same after some injuries, but the Chiefs saw firsthand the pitfalls of what happens when a top non-premium-position draft pick fails to produce to expectations.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Every detail in our short-attention economy is pointed and intentional, but also because creating print materials isn’t without pitfalls.
—Kristina Rodulfo, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
In this episode of the In Your Corner podcast from CBS News Philadelphia, learn how to organize your assets, protect your credit and avoid tax pitfalls.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
These are some common pitfalls Sokolowski says to avoid when cleaning this finish.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Richt, 35 and the son of longtime Georgia coach Mark Richt, has been around the sport long enough to understand the approach to recruiting, but also the pitfalls.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The best advisors coordinate with each other to manage negotiations, anticipate pitfalls, and safeguard your interests from start to finish.
—John Hall, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
This elegant hideaway isn't new to the perks and pitfalls of high society, either.
—Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2026
Yes, Edwards-Helaire was never the same after some injuries, but the Chiefs saw firsthand the pitfalls of what happens when a top non-premium-position draft pick fails to produce to expectations.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Every detail in our short-attention economy is pointed and intentional, but also because creating print materials isn’t without pitfalls.
—Kristina Rodulfo, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
In this episode of the In Your Corner podcast from CBS News Philadelphia, learn how to organize your assets, protect your credit and avoid tax pitfalls.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
These are some common pitfalls Sokolowski says to avoid when cleaning this finish.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
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 Los Angeles Police Department could not immediately provide details of his arrest, but NBC4 reported that Sutherland allegedly got into an altercation with a ride-hailing driver, and was booked on suspicion of criminal threats.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Arechiga’s mother had also filed a restraining order against her son due to threats, but it was later dropped when no one showed up in court for the follow-up hearing on the request, according to court records.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But producers, presenters and winners soldiered on with few hitches.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Many have had the wheels or hitches removed years ago.—
Cassie Powell,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Appropriately enough, for a quote about the dangers of false certainty, there is little evidence that Mark Twain ever said it at all.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Many reptiles also face additional dangers, giving them even worse odds of survival.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
20 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
Cite this Entry
“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
