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
Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
When this happens, water from the aquifer fills the large mining pits, lowering the water table for others in the area.
—Kayla Branch, The Frontier, 12 Jan. 2026
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and infinity pools are carefully sited to offer stunning views without detracting from the scenery, reinforcing the sense that every feature has its place in the overall narrative of the property.
—Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Sun Deck features craft cocktails and casual fare, enjoyed around fire pits in one of the best spots at the resort to take in ocean and sunset views.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Other footage from the capital showed cars driving breathtakingly close to areas hit by the strikes, weaving around huge pits of fire and debris.
—Keir Simmons, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
Someone else’s lengthy armpit hair is my decision to shave my pits (and legs) every single day.
—Caroline Rothstein, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Those pits can trap moisture and lead to rust down the road.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
Burn pits were a common method to dispose of waste up until around 2010, according to the VA.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
When this happens, water from the aquifer fills the large mining pits, lowering the water table for others in the area.
—Kayla Branch, The Frontier, 12 Jan. 2026
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and infinity pools are carefully sited to offer stunning views without detracting from the scenery, reinforcing the sense that every feature has its place in the overall narrative of the property.
—Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Sun Deck features craft cocktails and casual fare, enjoyed around fire pits in one of the best spots at the resort to take in ocean and sunset views.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Other footage from the capital showed cars driving breathtakingly close to areas hit by the strikes, weaving around huge pits of fire and debris.
—Keir Simmons, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
Someone else’s lengthy armpit hair is my decision to shave my pits (and legs) every single day.
—Caroline Rothstein, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Those pits can trap moisture and lead to rust down the road.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pits
Noun
-
Officers saw multiple bullet holes on the metal fence dividing the properties and shell casings in his backyard, the affidavit said.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Add a pass rusher with the first pick, a receiver in Round 2 and then spend heavily on patching holes in free agency.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Red Wings’ penalty kill has been better on the whole this season, though an 0-for-3 showing certainly dents their numbers and drops them to 80 percent on the season.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The Lakers, like the Celtics, are tenants in their arena, which dents their ability to drive revenue from concerts and other events.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Although sugar-free gum may help reduce cavities, Fox News Digital has previously reported that dentists warn acids, sweeteners and excessive chewing may harm teeth or trigger other side effects.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Torrez testified that investigators placed rods in the cavities left by the bullets to demonstrate the direction of the gunshots.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Young olive trees have smooth, gray bark, while the bark develops interesting furrows as the plant ages.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
During this process, radial ditches in the outer ring that forms the distinct circle shape begins to emerge.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pits. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
