1
as in dread
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason
communism was once the nation's biggest bugbear
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
hated all the bugbears of modern life, especially those long commutes to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bugbear
Anyway, as this supporter told Sky Sports, one of their bugbears is that Chelsea Dagger doesn’t actually have anything to do with Chelsea Football Club.
—
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Low volumes of trading has been a common bugbear for foreign investors looking at investing in Tadawul.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Another bugbear: Bigger U.S. distributors now rarely pre-buy movies, taking them out of the film financing equation.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
There is a financial crisis brewing in China, but the usual bugbears of the stock market, declining exports, and even the yuan crash are only appetizers, not the main course.
—Salvatore Babones, Foreign Affairs, 16 Aug. 2015
See All Example Sentences for bugbear
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Low volumes of trading has been a common bugbear for foreign investors looking at investing in Tadawul.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Another bugbear: Bigger U.S. distributors now rarely pre-buy movies, taking them out of the film financing equation.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
There is a financial crisis brewing in China, but the usual bugbears of the stock market, declining exports, and even the yuan crash are only appetizers, not the main course.
—Salvatore Babones, Foreign Affairs, 16 Aug. 2015
See All Example Sentences for bugbear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugbear
Noun
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The filmmaker leans pop-comic rather than petrifying in his final draft, opting for earnestness that smothers atmospheric dread.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 Feb. 2026
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In its worst forms, paranoia is a misapplication of the tools of attention, devotion, and care, scuttled by dread, the oppression of the unknown, and a lack of support.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Psyduck, one of the main Pokémon used by Misty in the series, was a water-type who could use powerful psychic moves, but the timing and effectiveness of its abilities was disrupted by its constant headaches.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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On the same day Amber Glenn won Olympic gold as part of the team event and stepped away from social media due to backlash over her comments on politics and the LGBTQ+ community, the American figure skater ended up with another headache.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Purdy’s biggest bugaboo could be interceptions.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Now, for one of their chief bugaboos — a primary culprit for the mediocre record through 32 games.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
25 Dec. 2025
Noun
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In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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According to fashion reporter Jarrod Jenkins, who shared a video of the event on his Instagram, Taylor said the theme of her previous Air Jordan 1 Zoom Cmft collaboration was centered around the rose, while the new Air Jordan 3 project hones in on the thorns.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The critical bulletin issued to pilots and airlines not to fly below 18,000 feet was initially set for 10 days, a duration for a full grounding not used since the 9/11 terror attacks.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
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The film delves into the fragility of the human mind, the dangers of AI warfare, and the indomitable spirit required to confront terror in an increasingly digital world.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intentionally obstructing the roadway, especially while impeding emergency access, is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, as is being a public nuisance by blocking the right-of-way.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
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For rulers abroad, the Puerto Rican people were mostly a nuisance to be managed.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Calling out corporate entities and concentration of power as enemies also appears to be a winning strategy for Democrats in their messaging tactics.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
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Liverpool were their own worst enemy as their hopes of Champions League qualification suffered another blow.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Inflation has weighed on shoppers, and customers have voiced frustration over cluttered stores and inconsistent merchandise that strayed from the retailer’s identity as a polished, affordable-chic chain.—
Emily Lorsch,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026
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DeRozan said Sacramento’s poor play was the source of his outward show of frustration following an alley-oop dunk by Zion Williamson in the third period.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bugbear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugbear. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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