1
as in risk
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 threat
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 pitfall
Before hopping onto the procedure, avoid the subsequent 10 key pitfalls to aid in smoother treatment and recovery.
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Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025
Keep these common pitfalls in mind to avoid scratches and stains.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
To combat the pitfall of poor rest cycles, science suggests planning for active rest and pleasant activities, and carrying through with those plans.
—Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
The online executive The pitfalls of social media usage for business leaders are becoming increasingly clear as more executives take to the platforms.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
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Most of the world's volcanoes that pose a risk to humans already have detailed maps of their interiors, but not Popocatépetl, despite the fact that some 25 million people live within a 62-mile radius and houses, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by an eruption.—
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These popular items are at risk of selling out, so be sure to shop our 10 picks today while prices start at just $16.—
Noun
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Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides.—
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Information widely available within the industry suggested that land movement related to hurricane activity was a threat to pipelines.—
Noun
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Also mentioned is an auto-hitch system to simplify hooking it up to the tow vehicle.—
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Graduation goes off without a hitch.—
Noun
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People get in the bathtub, think something, bathe themselves and then stand up from the bathwater, all of this is rather ordinary, but even the most ordinary thing in this world can conceal considerable danger.—
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Sensing danger, Charlie doubles down on sucking up.—
Noun
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The snag, these analysts said, is that institutional investors do not hold a big slice of the market.—
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Negotiations have hit snags at several points in the weeks since.—
Cite this Entry
“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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