PITFALLS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

pitfalls

noun

plural of pitfall

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

Relevance

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

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 pitfalls Creating simple games exclusively through AI prompts has its pitfalls. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The report is quick to acknowledge the potential pitfalls and abuses of license plate reading cameras (LPRs) in general. — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 28 Aug. 2026 There are also pitfalls awaiting investors, according to financial advisors. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 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 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 Most have been candid about the joys and pitfalls of child stardom. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 Wrestling with the realities of drug addiction is an endeavor rife with pitfalls for any filmmaker hoping to avoid easy judgment. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfalls

Noun

When social media constantly reminds us there’s another metric to optimize, healthy self-improvement risks fueling self-criticism and anxiety around our bodies, health and self-image.

— Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
The groups accuse the company of not disclosing all chemicals emitted during the fire, posing health risks for local residents.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

Golden Dome aims to shield the entire United States from all missile threats launched from anywhere, including from Russia and China.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, said Trump’s annexation threats carry particular weight in Quebec.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of threats

Noun

The process had a few hitches in it caused by the divorce, but the Swopes showed up regularly at their immigration meetings as scheduled, working through the long process.

— Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 July 2026
Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of hitches

Noun

The letter adds to a growing chorus of warnings about the dangers associated with advanced AI and comes shortly after a series of high-profile incidents in which flagship models tested by Anthropic and OpenAI breached testing safeguards.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
New research about the dangers of CTE in football brought out new concerns from parents about the dangers of playing football.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of dangers

Noun

Remove Bits and Bobs Be sure to remove pins or buckles from clothing items before placing them in the washer—zip the zippers on your clothing, close snaps and hooks, and secure Velcro to prevent snags and abrasion.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of snags

Noun

Whereas many tech leaders have, like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, touted the benefits of AI, many have also expressed concern about its perils.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet despite years of warnings from the park’s visitors, attorneys and medical experts about the perils of riding X2, officials at the theme park – located in Valencia, California – and state regulators allowed the attraction to continue operating.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of perils

Browse Nearby Words

pitfall

pitfalls

pith

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of pitfalls

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes