bête noire | Definition of bête noire

Synonyms and Antonyms of bête noire

1 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 of bête noire

black beast, bogey (also bogie), bugaboo, bugbear, dread, hobgoblin, ogre

Words Related to bête noire

apparition, ghost, phantasm (also fantasm), phantom, poltergeist, shade, specter (or spectre), spirit, spook, wraith

banshee, bogeyman (also bogyman), demon (or daemon), devil, fiend, ghoul, imp, incubus

fright, horrible, horror, monster, monstrosity, terror

bane, curse, enemy, plague, scourge, torment

abomination, anathema

2 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 of bête noire

abhorrence, abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, detestation, execration, hate

Words Related to bête noire

dread, hang-up, horror, phobia

bogey (also bogie), bugaboo, bugbear

adversary, enemy

annoyance, grievance, hassle, nuisance, peeve

Near Antonyms of bête noire

beloved, darling, dear, honey, sweetheart

delight, enjoyment, felicity, joy, pleasure

favorite, like, preference

Antonyms of bête noire