BÊTES NOIRES Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

bêtes noires

noun

plural of bête noire

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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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

Royals, who has typically sported some of the team’s most stylish hair, cut his dreads last week.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
He's described by officials as a Black male in his late teens with a medium-large build and thick dreads.

— Nick Lentz, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Definition of dreads

Noun

Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in and around polling places unless force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Cue the longstanding rancor … Motorists and cyclists seem to be natural enemies.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enemies

Noun

The week will start dry and warmer than normal, but rain chances return Tuesday and could dampen Halloween spirits, with a 40% chance of rain Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
As the Commander of the crew, my main responsibilities were to make sure the crew was safe, in good health and spirits, getting along well and on top of their work.

— Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of spirits

Noun

It a thematic fit, and after nearly 200 episodes, there’s no doubting this team’s ability to deliver fresh, new abominations.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
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.

— Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Definition of abominations

Noun

Oliva was being held on an additional bond of $3,650 on charges of possession of a firearm while having a domestic violence injunction, willful disregard of environmental regulations and nuisances injurious to health.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Macomb County, Michigan Spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive insect that can damage trees and create nuisances for residents, county officials said.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisances

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bête noire

bêtes noires

bethel

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“Bêtes noires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtes%20noires. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bêtes noires

noun

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