as in holes
a sunken area forming a separate space
removal of the tree stump left a gaping pit in the yard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 pits
Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
More generally, cottonmouths have broad heads and dark stripes that run through their eyes, as well as deep facial pits between their eyes and nostrils.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Ask about outside food rules before packing a cooler, and check whether reservations are required for tastings, fire pits or picnic spaces — especially in peak season.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Place 3 avocados, halved, pits removed, cut side up, 2 plum tomatoes, halved through stem ends, cut side up, 1 bunch scallions, and 1 jalapeño on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 June 2026
There’s a bar right up front, situated between 12 bowling lanes and the sizable arcade area; another bar, six more bowling lanes and two pool tables in the 21-and-over ‘Boardroom,’ and an outdoor beer garden with a third bar, three bocce ball lanes and fire pits.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
The proposal also includes lush landscaping with mature trees, seating areas with fire pits and open spaces available for year-round public community gatherings.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
In the meantime, Stephanie is hoping their story can serve as a warning — especially as the summer months bring fire pits, outdoor barbecues, and more.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Outdoor seating, fire pits and a pet relief area are featured in the front and sides of the space.
—Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
Noun
In a third and final scenario — the one designed to test insight — the team moved the flower from the floor to the ceiling, just above one of four pits shaped to accommodate the ball.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
More generally, cottonmouths have broad heads and dark stripes that run through their eyes, as well as deep facial pits between their eyes and nostrils.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Ask about outside food rules before packing a cooler, and check whether reservations are required for tastings, fire pits or picnic spaces — especially in peak season.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Place 3 avocados, halved, pits removed, cut side up, 2 plum tomatoes, halved through stem ends, cut side up, 1 bunch scallions, and 1 jalapeño on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 June 2026
There’s a bar right up front, situated between 12 bowling lanes and the sizable arcade area; another bar, six more bowling lanes and two pool tables in the 21-and-over ‘Boardroom,’ and an outdoor beer garden with a third bar, three bocce ball lanes and fire pits.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
The proposal also includes lush landscaping with mature trees, seating areas with fire pits and open spaces available for year-round public community gatherings.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
In the meantime, Stephanie is hoping their story can serve as a warning — especially as the summer months bring fire pits, outdoor barbecues, and more.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Outdoor seating, fire pits and a pet relief area are featured in the front and sides of the space.
—Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pits
Noun
-
Russell Henley birdied the final four holes, including in a sudden death playoff, to win the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge on Sunday at Colonial Country Club.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
-
At least one watchdog group warned the legislation could poke more holes into the property tax base for very large developers across the state, not just the Bears.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The growth further dents the case for an interest rate cut, as US monetary policymakers discuss possibly raising the cost of borrowing.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
2 June 2026
-
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in a major-league game?—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Dentists can also sometimes stop cavities with fluoride varnishes and prevent them with dental sealants, which were once recommended only for children, Fontana said.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
-
The buttons along the earcups are also more distinct, and the microphone grilles have been redesigned from the usual mesh cavities to larger holes that appear to punch directly through the earcup chassis.—
Jess Weatherbed,
The Verge,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Young olive trees have smooth, gray bark, while the bark develops interesting furrows as the plant ages.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This creates an intricate network of microscopic cracks that, in addition to visible furrows, help retain the water elephants douse themselves in to stay cool.—
Clare Watson,
Quanta Magazine,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Police and fire rescue experts say this is also serves a reminder to always wear personal flotation devices in and around rivers, creeks, ditches and lakes.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
They're mostly found in the swamps, sloughs, wetlands, and drainage ditches of the western coastal plain, and are occasionally found around rivers and lakes.—
Jack Armstrong,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pits. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
