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

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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

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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 For many in Houston’s Black business community, Turkey Leg Hut symbolized both cultural pride and the pitfalls of rapid, unregulated growth. Essence, 29 Apr. 2025 Here, Southern professional organizers speak to nine of these pitfalls and explain what to do instead in order to successfully contain the clutter. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025 Yet the path of the law is always full of pitfalls. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025 Acton Academy’s growth to over 300 schools showcases the potential for replication but also highlights the pitfalls of decentralized management. Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pitfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitfall
Noun
  • There also is a bit of a risk as to how MSNBC will fare on its own.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • Water risk is fast becoming an existential threat to the apparel industry.
    Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • He’s become the face of President Donald Trump’s threats to abandon Ukraine, massive foreign aid cuts and a deportation policy that has split the public.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Further compromising cities' structural integrity is the damage from extreme weather, amplified by climate change, which wasn't included in the study but nonetheless poses a threat.
    Li Cohen May 8, CBS News, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The Paul-Tyson streaming headaches last fall were largely solved several weeks later, when Netflix streamed two NFL regular-season football games without a hitch (or, admittedly, not anywhere near as many peak viewers).
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • Kathryn said the ceremony itself went off without a hitch, despite the massive numbers included in the party.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Warn your audience about the dangers, the perpetrators and what to look out for.
    Lauren Crystal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • The spring mating season, when water temperatures rise, can heighten the danger.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Both cars should be significantly cheaper than the Jaguar, though Trump’s tariffs have created a snag with the Zeekr.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
  • Adorable footage from Jaylon Beasley shows the moment his three-year-old son caught the fish all by himself after feeling a snag on the line.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pitfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitfall. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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