PITFALL Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

pitfall

noun

ˈpit-ˌfȯl

Definition of pitfall

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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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

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 pitfall 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 The handmade corn cakes come off the griddle lightly crisped with black and brown splotches and avoid the common pitfall of being overly greasy. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Such pitfalls are especially hard to avoid when Russia is the focal point. — Foreign Affairs, 18 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 See All Example Sentences for pitfall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall

Noun

Handles up improves safety and hygiene during unloading, avoiding contact with eating surfaces and reducing injury risk.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Another is the contagion risk posed by having an unvaccinated child in a waiting room alongside infants and kids with immunodeficiencies.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

This is a historically fragmented industry, with different vendors for different kinds of services, such as firewall, threat detection, and identity.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Meteorologists said the majority of model guidance does not indicate a credible hurricane threat to California during the second week of September.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

Seeing the Braves compete in this series with the Dodgers, from the walk-off win to the ace performances to the timely snags to Truist Park’s eruptions, hearkened back memories of October 2021.

— Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Clear one practical snag, simplify one expectation, and give your body enough support to keep the day balanced.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of snag

Browse Nearby Words

piteous

pitfall

pitfalls

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Style

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfall

noun

Example Sentences

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