1
as in dreads
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason
doing my own tax return is the bête noire that haunts me every April
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in enemies
something or someone that is hated
in that organization's view, society's number one bête noire should be the drunk driver of a motor vehicle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtes noires
Noun
-
The conductor described the offender as a Black male with a tan jacket, blue jeans, and short dreads.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026 -
Mirror images except for the fact that Jelani has his hair in dreads, while Ari goes with the more retro-look afro.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump unilaterally waged war against a foreign country, used the Department of Justice and FBI to attack his political enemies, and enriched himself and his family at the expense of Americans.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Country has ‘strategic enemies’ on both sides Ghadban said his country had no interest in allying with either side in the war.—
Abby Sewell,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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That put an end to the zero-tariff trade environment for exporters on both sides of the Atlantic and slapped new duties onto Scotch whisky and other spirits sent to America from Britain.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
-
The bar program, while still in development, is set to involve agave spirits and Mexican wines, with many sourced from the Valle de Guadalupe.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
On the April 14 episode of the Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club podcast, the bestselling author, whose debut adult romantasy novel Starside hit shelves on March 31, spoke with journalist Danielle Robay about all things writing — including her romance genre loves and hates.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the representative for the armed wing of a human empire, you're tasked with subduing these Lovecraftian abominations and securing a foothold for humanity on alien worlds.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The Succession Wars took a much darker turn thanks to the development of not just Battlemechs but of horrible flesh and steel monsters called abominations.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Previous modernization efforts The airport has previously suffered from a host of issues that have proved nuisances for travelers, including green liquid falling from the ceiling and broken escalators.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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As a bonus, these plants are generally deer resistant, which may keep these nuisances from crossing over the garden border.—
Haniya Rae,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bêtes noires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtes%20noires. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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