1
as in dread
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 enemy
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 bête noire
Noun
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In this case, there’s that feeling of dread.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025 -
Yeah, there’s just a dread, isn’t there?—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There’s even a little Kurosawa — from all the stages of his career — in the feudal set-up; while the decadent emperor Kisra (Ben Kingsley) holds court, his enemies are banished.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
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The eight-part series depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, chronicling how two former allies would eventually become enemies in their fight for control of the English throne.—
Jenzia Burgos,
StyleCaster,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Its people — tough, creative, generous, and endlessly ambitious — deserve leadership that matches their spirit.—
John Foley,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Then, in February, the 10-day Carnival fills the streets with music, parades, and inventive costumes featuring giant handmade masks that represent fearsome creatures, which scare away winter spirits, or joyful beings celebrating their retreat, dating back to ancient pagan customs.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Spiraling into hate only wastes energy, furthers the divide, and produces greater suffering.—
Mark Waller,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
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Speaking publicly for the first time about the controversy over his abrasive remarks to a Christian minister, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said his city is welcome to all, noting the history of its Muslim residents being targeted with hate.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Freep.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Based on a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, the black beast is powered by a powerful Chevy V-8 and features parts sourced from a British Harrier fighter jet.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
11 Mar. 2022
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Malone's black beast in the closet is threatening Alaska now.—
Author: Charles Wohlforth | Opinion,
Anchorage Daily News,
2 Mar. 2018
Noun
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Holly hits the road with the activist and brings along a gun, despite her deep need to be near her home and her abhorrence of weapons.—
Maren Longbella,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2025
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Tolin doesn’t candy coat the animosity, helping children to understand how artists and Others continue to be misunderstood and how that lack of appreciation fuels abhorrence.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Both Erica and the Gorn overcame their antipathy.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
4 Sep. 2025
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And Americans who want a Covid booster are left in a lurch because Kennedy’s antipathy now limits what is covered by insurance plans.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The students, identified by police as Kyle Anderson and Samuel Patten, both 18, were each charged with burglary in the second degree as a hate crime and criminal nuisance in the second degree, police said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
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The insects can be a nuisance but won't cause structural damage or harm you.—
Andrea Beck,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bête noire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAte%20noire. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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