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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Despite its speculative premise, the series captures the loneliness that has pervaded society since the COVID pandemic and the dread of a future in which artificial intelligence might render human interaction obsolete.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025 -
The resulting amalgam of curious thoughts, heartfelt angst, expressions of longing or dread, make for a raw, touching saga shared by dozens of people, all seemingly looking for meaning.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Mike McLusky may be top dog but power can only be maintained by continuing to instill fear in his enemies.—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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LeBare was awarded two Purple Heart medals for his actions against the enemy.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For bones, spirits, and some menacing dolls, here’s where to go for a fright.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
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The spirit has strong notes of star anise and caraway, with a range of holiday spices.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But a career cannot be sustained on hate alone.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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One hurdle for these editors is that far-right hate is more conducive to digital slop, both because algorithms prize outlandish ragebait and because the tribalistic ideas themselves are low IQ rubbish.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
24 Oct. 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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When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.—
Michael Bloomberg,
Twin Cities,
24 Sep. 2025
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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
Noun
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Rather than attracting qualified applicants who want to serve in federal law enforcement, ICE may be appealing to people with antipathy toward immigrants, or who see themselves as helping defend the U.S. from demographic changes.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Mercury News,
11 Oct. 2025
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Global leaders are being tested by intractable wars in Gaza,Ukraine and Sudan, uncertainty about the economic and social impact of emerging artificial intelligence technology, and anxiety about Trump’s antipathy for the global body.—
Aamer Madhani,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Wednesday Bye weeks have been mostly a nuisance so far this season.—
Kevin Cusick,
Twin Cities,
25 Oct. 2025
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Usually a last resort, the public nuisance investigation allows the Davidson County District Attorney's Office to bring these actions to criminal court, despite the complaint itself being civil in nature, Aaron said.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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