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
Relevance
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
-
Upon completion of the new section in 1938, Santa Fe–and Hannett’s political enemies–were cut off from the economic engine of Route 66.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Who would do a series with two enemies who wanted to kill each other?—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The railroad got cut to maximize walking spaces while the Haunted Mansion was removed out of respect for Chinese cultural sensitivities regarding death and spirits.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
For more than 48 hours, captain Lillian Zulu had been trying to keep her squad's spirits high despite mounting obstacles.—
Ryan Lenora Brown,
NPR,
14 June 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
-
And even then, referees seemed to regard injuries as nuisances that stopped the flow of the game.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Onions will repel not only aphids and spider mites, but also larger garden nuisances, like deer.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Bêtes noires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtes%20noires. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
