gotcha

gotcha
noun
Synonyms of gotcha
an unexpected usually disconcerting challenge, revelation, or catch
also : an attempt to embarrass, expose, or disgrace someone (such as a politician) with a gotcha


Synonyms
booby trap
catch
catch-22
gimmick
hitch
joker
land mine
pitfall
snag

Example Sentences
The program has a few gotchas in store for unsuspecting computer users.
the gotcha in the low monthly rate quoted by the cable company is that it is a teaser and good for only six months
Recent Examples on the Web
The whole enterprise speaks to a mind-set more about political gotcha than journalism.
—Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2022
There is one big potential gotcha for all these multi-eSIM scenarios, including T-Mobile’s Network Pass.
—Bob O'donnell, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022
In fact, there should have been more than one gotcha.
—al, 30 June 2021
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gotcha.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.



Word History
Etymology
alteration of got you

First Known Use
1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gotcha was in 1974
See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near gotcha
gotch

gotcha

gote


Cite this Entry
Style

MLA
“Gotcha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gotcha. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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