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 All parties are aware of the momentum behind Rouy and the pitfalls of being branded a hot young thing. — David Lê, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026 Movies tend to work with bold strokes and colors, and absolute ideas; cinema is a popular medium, and both its power and its pitfalls come from its ability to simplify and underline. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026 The recent implosion of the relationship between the professional golf world and the YouTube creators Good Good Golf underscores the potential pitfalls of leaning too heavily on influencers to grow a sport. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Creating simple games exclusively through AI prompts has its pitfalls. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The report is quick to acknowledge the potential pitfalls and abuses of license plate reading cameras (LPRs) in general. — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 28 Aug. 2026 There are also pitfalls awaiting investors, according to financial advisors. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Navigating the pitfalls of online communication — crafting the perfect message, sifting through the endless stack of profiles — can compound the feeling. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026 He’s often reflected on his pitfalls and tried to compartmentalize his thoughts on a potential solution. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls

Noun

Some production could be recovered once fields dry, making a rebound in Brazilian sugar content or faster harvesting one of the clearest downside risks to prices.

— Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Pros and cons of adjustable-rate mortgages Here's a closer look at adjustable-rate mortgage risks and advantages.

— Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

Players have revealed their concerns about harassment and death threats reaching a traumatizing level.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Still, the threats have increased for the islands of Niihau and Kauai because the storm's forecast track has shifted steadily eastward, the National Hurricane Center said.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of threats

Noun

The process had a few hitches in it caused by the divorce, but the Swopes showed up regularly at their immigration meetings as scheduled, working through the long process.

— Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 July 2026
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

Definition of hitches

Noun

Hearings revealed engineers had raised concerns about the dangers of cold weather on the O-rings, but management ignored the warnings.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
The frenetic pace of updates coupled with the lack of clarity around AI regulation has stoked concerns about the dangers of advanced AI models that are continuously getting more capable.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of dangers

Noun

Gurman claims the foldable is still on track for this fall, despite chatter about manufacturing snags.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Remove Bits and Bobs Be sure to remove pins or buckles from clothing items before placing them in the washer—zip the zippers on your clothing, close snaps and hooks, and secure Velcro to prevent snags and abrasion.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of snags

Noun

Whereas many tech leaders have, like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, touted the benefits of AI, many have also expressed concern about its perils.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet despite years of warnings from the park’s visitors, attorneys and medical experts about the perils of riding X2, officials at the theme park – located in Valencia, California – and state regulators allowed the attraction to continue operating.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of perils

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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 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfalls

noun

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