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 Recognizing these pitfalls early can help leaders steer their organizations through uncertainty without sacrificing future stability. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The most gratifying facet of being an agent was guiding gifted artists through the maze of potential opportunities and pitfalls that constitute careers in Hollywood. — Rick Nicita, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 That’s a rapid journey that can come with pitfalls – many young stars have been put on a pedestal and failed to deliver on that promise. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 The Utah university where Charlie Kirk was assassinated last September released a report on Thursday examining the security pitfalls in advance of Kirk’s murder. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitfall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall

Noun

Applicants can expect checks into their identity, source of funds, finances and assets, jurisdictional risk, as well as their criminal, reputational, and immigration history.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Thirteen are rated at very high risk or in default, and 23 have no rating from the big agencies, which cuts them from international bond markets.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

That family history does bring with it a high level of determination to continue despite the losses and the constant threats of more attacks.

— Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
Neighbors say deer could potentially be impaled, and there’s also the threat of raw sewage backing up into adjacent houses.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

The drama mixes battlefield action with a tale of conflicted allegiances and the dangers of undercover work in hostile territory.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
However, the medals, photographs and awards hung in the hall tell an extraordinary story of a life spent never far from danger in the mountains.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of danger

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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pitfall

noun

Example Sentences

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