Synonyms of bugaboos

bugaboos

noun

plural of bugaboo

as in dreads

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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bugaboos

Best Supporting Actress One of Hickey’s bugaboos is the way the supporting races have often been gift-wrapped early, with co-leads like Emilia Pérez’s Zoe Saldaña and A Real Pain’s Kieran Culkin sweeping to victory. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

Now, for one of their chief bugaboos — a primary culprit for the mediocre record through 32 games. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025

James went down a lengthy list of bugaboos that hurt the Chargers, including but not limited to 14 penalties totaling 107 yards, the Giants’ 7-for-15 efficiency on third downs, a lackluster start that featured deficits of 10-0 and 13-3 in the first half and a failure to force a New York turnover. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

Getting the focus right is one of the bugaboos of using a telephoto lens for astrophotography, because the focus on such lenses is touchy and easily gets knocked off kilter. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Apr. 2024