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
Relevance
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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bête noire
The illiberal Hungarian prime minister is the bete noire of the European Union, a beloved hero to a major segment of the U.S. right and most vocal statesman among nationalists in the West.
—
Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Others also pointed to a 2010 Bon Jovi gig in Tokyo that featured images of the Dalai Lama – Beijing’s bete noire – on the stage background.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024
Wilt Chamberlain, Russell’s friend and lifelong bete noire, tried to slow down the game by taking Russell one-on-one in half-court sets that put the massive, absurdly gifted Wilt square in the post.
—Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2023
The food stylist's bete noire turned out to be foam.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2022
To some Republican participants in the hearing, the whole thing seemed like an opportunity to take easy shots at outlets like Fox News, long a bete noire of the liberal and Democratic establishment.
—Andy Meek, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2021
Final approval rests with Italian President Sergio Mattarella—a respected figure in Italy’s establishment and another bete noire of the League and 5 Star Movement.
—WSJ, 11 Feb. 2019
Much as animosity toward President Donald Trump rouses Democrats, Pelosi is a bete noire for Republicans, who’ve long targeted her as the prototype of a San Francisco liberal.
—John McCormick, Bloomberg.com, 4 Apr. 2018
Four days after McCarthy's surprise showing, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy of New York - Johnson's bete noire - entered the race for the Democratic nomination.
—The Washington Post, AL.com, 31 Mar. 2018
Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Others also pointed to a 2010 Bon Jovi gig in Tokyo that featured images of the Dalai Lama – Beijing’s bete noire – on the stage background.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024
Wilt Chamberlain, Russell’s friend and lifelong bete noire, tried to slow down the game by taking Russell one-on-one in half-court sets that put the massive, absurdly gifted Wilt square in the post.
—Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2023
The food stylist's bete noire turned out to be foam.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2022
To some Republican participants in the hearing, the whole thing seemed like an opportunity to take easy shots at outlets like Fox News, long a bete noire of the liberal and Democratic establishment.
—Andy Meek, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2021
Final approval rests with Italian President Sergio Mattarella—a respected figure in Italy’s establishment and another bete noire of the League and 5 Star Movement.
—WSJ, 11 Feb. 2019
Much as animosity toward President Donald Trump rouses Democrats, Pelosi is a bete noire for Republicans, who’ve long targeted her as the prototype of a San Francisco liberal.
—John McCormick, Bloomberg.com, 4 Apr. 2018
Four days after McCarthy's surprise showing, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy of New York - Johnson's bete noire - entered the race for the Democratic nomination.
—The Washington Post, AL.com, 31 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bête noire
Noun
-
But there is a sense of dread at times, particularly with headlines.Michael Cox, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024
-
There were fewer pickups, more layoffs, tight budgets, high expectations and a general sense of dread that consumed what had been a thriving community of entertainment creatives.Peter White, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
After faking his own death in the finale (via radio) and shooting Gi-hun’s best friend in front of him, In-ho resumes his post within the games and his position as Gi-hun’s greatest enemy.Brian Welk, IndieWire, 31 Dec. 2024
-
On December 27, WHO announced the results from 430 samples: The outbreak was caused by a familiar enemy — or, more accurately, multiple familiar enemies.Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
David not only excels musically on the trombone but also brings a collaborative and positive spirit that inspires the entire group.Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024
-
Loeffler Randall Ginger Red Velvet Mary Jane Step into the holiday spirit with Loeffler Randall’s Mary Jane flats in luxurious red velvet, featuring delicate tonal piping.Angela Lei, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Putin’s Kremlin has a long history of aiding far-right hate groups involved in violence against immigrants.Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2024
-
Between June 2023 and 2024, hate incidents against LGBTQ people more than doubled over the prior year, according to data collected by GLAAD, an LGBTQ media watchdog and advocacy nonprofit.Odette Yousef, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
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
-
Under the hood, the black beast is equipped with a 6.6-liter V-8 mated to an M40 three-speed automatic transmission.Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2022
Noun
-
However, the Grinch is known for his abhorrence of Christmas and everything the season represents.Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024
-
The ambivalence of André and his parents was culturally unexceptional, but Simone’s abhorrence wasn’t.Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
Despite the industry’s antipathy for Joe Biden, U.S. oil output has climbed steadily during his presidency to a record 13 million bpd of oil and 125 bcfd of natural gas today.Christopher Helman, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
-
This level of antipathy toward American progressives is not uncommon among Chinese liberals, who, since 2016, have flocked toward Trump, in part to repudiate a Democratic Party whose emphasis on political correctness—real or imagined—reminds them of China’s past disasters in socialist governance.Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The big picture: Transportation and Public Works records provided to Axios show that many residents and first responders remain wary of the vehicles, seeing them as a nuisance and traffic hazard.Nicole Cobler, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
-
At best, a pimple inside your nose is an uncomfortable nuisance.Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near bête noire
Cite this Entry
“Bête noire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAte%20noire. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share