Synonyms of bugaboo

bugaboo

noun

ˈbə-gə-ˌbü 

as in dread

something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason

doing one's tax returns is a real bugaboo for a lot of people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dread
• terror
• bugbear
• plague
• bogey
• enemy
• ogre
• bête noire
• curse
• phantom
• monster
• torment
• hobgoblin
• black beast
• demon
• spirit
• specter
• ghost
• bogeyman
• phantasm
• wraith
• incubus
• apparition
• bane
• horror
• imp
• banshee
• devil
• horrible
• ghoul
• fright
• spook
• shade
• poltergeist
• scourge
• anathema
• fiend
• abomination
• monstrosity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bugaboo

En route to finally winning a Super Bowl, the Colts were finally getting the upper hand on their longtime bugaboo, the Brady-Bill Belichick Patriots. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Five batters into Sunday’s game and the home run bugaboo that plagued Imanaga last season delivered a sense of déjà vu to the 33,559 fans in attendance at Wrigley Field. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

But defense remains a big bugaboo, especially around the rim. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026

Quite simply, Texas got bit by the same bugaboo that has haunted it this entire season. — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2026