Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

pitting

1 American  
[pit-ing] / ˈpɪt ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or operation of digging a pit or pits.

  2. the act or operation of placing in a pit or pits.

  3. arranging or staging cockfights.


pitting 2 American  
[pit-ing] / ˈpɪt ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of removing a pit or pits.


Etymology

Origin of pitting1

First recorded in 1655–65; pit 1 + -ing 1

Origin of pitting2

pit 2 + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It dropped him to the back, but with some aggressive overtaking and the others pitting in front of him, it put him in the lead mid-race.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The mere suggestion has split the town, pitting younger detractors against older Lenox Millionaires, who shake their heads at what they see as the community’s ignorance of its history and tradition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

For the first time, an exhibition halftime matchup will spotlight senior dogs, pitting Team Oldies against Team Goldies in a showcase that highlights the joys of adopting older animals, who are often overlooked in shelters.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Thais vote Sunday in an election pitting the popular reformists who won last time against the conservative who ended up as prime minister, with ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra looming large from his prison cell.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

And he could not take the chance of pitting his certain ignorance against this man’s possible knowledge.

From "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck