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

Relevance

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

Analysts warn that beyond crowded positioning and technical pullbacks, fundamental risks within the AI supply chain may also be emerging.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
States alleged that Meta’s internal research documented links between Instagram use and harms including depression, anxiety and body-image concerns among young people, while the company publicly minimized or concealed those risks.

— Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

However, the threat of taking California to the Supreme Court may be enough to bring the state’s AG Rob Bonta back to the bargaining table.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
For those who pursued advanced degrees in education, the threat of student loans was also a burden.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

The only hitch was that the move to Juventus broke down, leaving Suzuki and Martinez in the same squad.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Wang hopes that SharkNinja will continue to ease American consumer friction long into the future, and that his Chinese nationality won’t be a hitch.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hitch

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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“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfall

noun

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