Synonyms of bêtes noires

bêtes noires

noun

plural of bête noire

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

• dreads
• spirits
• black beasts
• plagues
• bugaboos
• demons
• bogies
• bugbears
• curses
• monsters
• ogres
• fantasms
• hobgoblins
• terrors
• bogeys
• devils
• horrors
• ghosts
• enemies
• bogymen
• spectres
• phantoms
• incubuses
• torments
• apparitions
• shades
• wraiths
• spooks
• poltergeists
• daemons
• specters
• ghouls
• phantasms
• banshees
• horribles
• bogeymen
• frights
• incubi
• banes
• imps
• abominations
• fiends
• scourges
• monstrosities
• anathemas

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

• enemies
• hates
• abhorrences
• abominations
• antipathies
• detestations
• nuisances
• execrations
• adversaries
• anathemas
• aversions
• phobias
• grievances
• dreads
• horrors
• bugaboos
• bogies
• bugbears
• hang-ups
• peeves
• bogeys
• annoyances
• hassles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loves
• joys
• dears
• darlings
• pleasures
• sweethearts
• favorites
• delights
• preferences
• enjoyments
• likes
• treasures
• honeys
• beloveds
• felicities