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
Here, three interior designers chime in with five things that make backyards look bad and why—be sure to steer clear of these pitfalls at all costs.
—
Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Her presentation went over steps needed to take to register to vote, common pitfalls, ballot security and new laws.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Survey pitfalls Weaknesses in survey models are sharper in primaries because turnout is low and voting histories of those taking part are less reliable than in higher profile general elections.
—Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
But the strategy has perils and pitfalls.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Such an arrangement, however, can carry potential pitfalls, particularly around conflicts of interest.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To these critics, the pitfalls of feminist politics—that jealously guarded privileges of race and class keep women from uniting in the interests of their gender—are neatly symbolized in Stanton’s story.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
The pitfalls faced by Lawson, his replacement Yuki Tsunoda and Pérez, plus Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly before them, largely stemmed from the sensitive nature of the Red Bull cars.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
That’s a story about a composer, and the pitfalls of their ego.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Her presentation went over steps needed to take to register to vote, common pitfalls, ballot security and new laws.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Survey pitfalls Weaknesses in survey models are sharper in primaries because turnout is low and voting histories of those taking part are less reliable than in higher profile general elections.
—Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
But the strategy has perils and pitfalls.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Such an arrangement, however, can carry potential pitfalls, particularly around conflicts of interest.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To these critics, the pitfalls of feminist politics—that jealously guarded privileges of race and class keep women from uniting in the interests of their gender—are neatly symbolized in Stanton’s story.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
The pitfalls faced by Lawson, his replacement Yuki Tsunoda and Pérez, plus Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly before them, largely stemmed from the sensitive nature of the Red Bull cars.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
That’s a story about a composer, and the pitfalls of their ego.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 5 Mar. 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
-
Still, Microsoft’s threats to sue OpenAI — scooped by the FT — signify an escalating fight that won’t end particularly well if the two sides can’t hash out a deal.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Install strong antivirus software on your devices to help detect malware, phishing links and credential-stealing threats that could target you after a breach.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 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
-
Missing journalists in Haiti The dangers Haitian continue to face were also reinforced on Monday as the family of two missing journalists and a local media associate pleaded for their release by their captors.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
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Doyley, who felt comfortable with her odds and wanted to continue laboring, argued during the hearing that C-sections carry their own dangers — including a risk of death.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 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 22 Mar. 2026.
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