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
For now, Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the potential domestic pitfalls of a photo opportunity alongside the US president and his Ukrainian enemy to be far greater than the possible damage incurring Trump’s wrath may cause.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
If none of this is easy, there are obvious pitfalls Republicans should be avoiding.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Frost has revamped the roster by avoiding the pitfalls of focusing too much on star players and rankings.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Being the spare to Prince George, the future heir, is a vulnerable place — one fraught with potential pitfalls that her uncle Prince Harry, who also grew up as the spare, has made all too clear.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
If none of this is easy, there are obvious pitfalls Republicans should be avoiding.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Frost has revamped the roster by avoiding the pitfalls of focusing too much on star players and rankings.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Being the spare to Prince George, the future heir, is a vulnerable place — one fraught with potential pitfalls that her uncle Prince Harry, who also grew up as the spare, has made all too clear.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
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Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
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Postal Service workers receive safety training to help minimize the risk of dangerous dog encounters.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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This watch is in effect until 10 p.m. What to do as threat of lightning approaches?—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 June 2025
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Schools everywhere feel the threat, and hope to avoid the government’s scrutiny.—
John Branch,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The Foundation series Cybertruck includes Full Self Driving (an $8,000 value) and a trailer hitch.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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The flight continues without a hitch, and Fielder attempts to open the lines of communication with his copilot, Aaron, by repeatedly asking him if everything is okay.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Scientists with Oceana and governmental and conservation organizations say the whales also face dangers from entanglement in commercial crabbing and fishing gear and vessel strikes.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Dalton recently was approved to give a presentation to students at each middle and high school in CMS next school year, telling her son’s story and cautioning students about the dangers of drug use.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article Two and a half years after the vast majority of Denver voters approved an initiative requiring apartment buildings and restaurants to recycle and compost more of their waste, the city’s implementation of that mandate has hit another snag.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
14 May 2025
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The upholstery is of nice quality, too—no snags or sagging, at least at this point—and there’s some subtle variation in the coloring that adds a bit of depth (my bed features the Stone fabric, but bouclé is also available).—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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