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 Such pitfalls are especially hard to avoid when Russia is the focal point. — Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Most have been candid about the joys and pitfalls of child stardom. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 Wrestling with the realities of drug addiction is an endeavor rife with pitfalls for any filmmaker hoping to avoid easy judgment. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 The novel, inarguably ambitious in scope, begs questions of form and content, and the possibilities and pitfalls of publishing outside traditional pathways. — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026 There is also evidence that extreme privilege can come with real pressures and pitfalls. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 However, industry leaders caution against haphazard AI adoption, emphasizing that strategic, disciplined implementation is crucial to avoid significant financial pitfalls. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Congress is debating the potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence as products like ChatGPT raise questions about the future of creative industries and the ability to tell fact from fiction. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 The aim has been to make clear the limitations and pitfalls of the available military options, including those that do not involve putting US boots on the ground, the sources said. — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls

Noun

Since 2021, nearly 50 North Carolina hospitals and the state’s health department have begun distributing the wristbands, to give mothers and care providers a visual reminder of the life-threatening health risks after birth.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
The rapid release of stockpiles in the wake of disruption related to the Iran war is raising the operational risks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

The goal is also to keep the aircraft adaptable as threats and military requirements change.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Geopolitical tensions are bringing critical dependencies and chokepoints into sharper focus, while Europe faces growing security threats on its doorstep.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 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

As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Despite my pup’s best attempts, there have been no snags or stains.

— Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of snags

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pitfall

pitfalls

pith

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“Pitfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfalls. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfalls

noun

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