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
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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
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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
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In a year of exuberance and dread, songs came from every which way to comfort, to amuse, to haunt, to tantalize.August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
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In addition, Head owns leading binding brand Tyrolia, and the Protector bindings are a major safety innovation and big deal in the marketplace, designed to help prevent knee injuries, a dread of skiers everywhere.Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In a truly unprecedented move, the IAF successfully assassinated Israel’s long-time enemy, veteran Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27, 2024, in an enormous airstrike on Beirut.Paul Iddon, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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This terrifying and occasionally gory tale follows a warrior in an unfamiliar environment forced by a floating gold orb, Puck, to eat many enemies, thus becoming stronger.Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In the spirit of holiday giving, the team invites their community to nominate and vote for upstanding charitable organizations that support mothers.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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While plenty of drinkers crowd the bar area, lots of Guinness also flows upstairs at the gastropub, which has the spirit of a French village restaurant.Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There’s no room for hate in Doechii’s comment section.Michelle Lee, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
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While at Montreal, Compulsion gave me a chance to chat about the hate campaign with studio head Provost and general manager Delilah Robinson, who had to make several important decisions in the wake of the hate wave to protect their team and their work.Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024
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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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
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However, the Grinch is known for his abhorrence of Christmas and everything the season represents.Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024
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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
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Trump’s antipathy for electric vehicles is likely to create headwinds for EV producers.Greg Iacurci,Lorie Konish, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024
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At a news conference recently, Powell, the Fed chief, acknowledged public antipathy about lingering inflation and its potential influence at the polls.Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The cat must be happy in their environment to thrive, so animal coordinators on movie sets must ensure that studio temperature, cast and crew interactions, and the moving of objects aren't a nuisance to the cat.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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Muscle cramps can be a nuisance, but there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort.Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 2024.
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