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
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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
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He's described by officials as a Black male in his late teens with a medium-large build and thick dreads.
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Mirror images except for the fact that Jelani has his hair in dreads, while Ari goes with the more retro-look afro.
Noun
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Those of us who care about keeping liberalism alive need Europeans to start defending it against all of its enemies—in Moscow, Beijing, and Washington.
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In the book, Leganski offers a rare, unfettered account of what goes into becoming speaker of the House, and takes digs at enemies.
Noun
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Thank you for a plethora of news on June 17 that didn’t crush our spirits.
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As one of the world’s largest spirits conglomerates, the company certainly had access to some choice, well-aged stocks.
Noun
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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.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
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If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
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“Bêtes noires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtes%20noires. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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