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 These two issues coming to light in the same week suggest some coaches may need more extensive training or onboarding to make clear the pitfalls of drinking — even away from the club. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Toss in a few higher-profile than usual guest stars (David Huddleston, Pablo Schreiber), and a double-length running time, and there were potentially show-breaking pitfalls everywhere. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 When the case was officially closed in 2008, Hollywood Police Chief Chadwick Wagner apologized to John and Revé and acknowledged the pitfalls of the department’s investigation. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 Regardless of radio tension or pitfalls for Piastri, this was Norris’s race. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall

Noun

This places the District at significant risk of being in violation of the law and collective bargaining agreements.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Odulio, who could not be reached for comment, previously worked as a federal trial attorney for the Department of Justice and as a senior operational risk manager for Wells Fargo.

— Julia Coin July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Secret Service officials have also highlighted threats against Trump from foreign actors, including Iran—amid the ongoing war.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Experts agree that even lower temperatures can pose health threats to vulnerable populations, especially when combined with high humidity.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

The trailer relies on a hitch coupler force sensor to provide continuous feedback on the pull on the tow vehicle, managing the trailer's movement by increasing motor output or applying the electro-mechanical brakes located at all four wheels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
Their receiver’s probably never seen an actual hitch put into it.

— Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026

Definition of hitch

Noun

One more point cuts against the simple story that more capability means more danger.

— Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
In addition to the extreme heat, there is extreme fire danger for the Pacific Northwest, where the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington is already off to a record pace.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of danger

Noun

So now, more than a year later, and after hitting several snags along the way, the election-date change proposal has finally landed on the ballot, labeled Miami Referendum 1.

— Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
That trend continued Friday, as Allen pulled down a one-handed snag from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during 11-on-11s that served as the day’s top highlight.

— Jesse Newell, New York Times, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfall

noun

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