bugbears

noun

Definition of bugbearsnext
plural of bugbear
1
as in dreads
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason communism was once the nation's biggest bugbear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in headaches
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugbears
  1. headaches
  2. terrors
  3. frustrations
  4. enemies
  5. annoyances
  6. irritants
Noun
  • Saunas are known for their health benefits of improving blood circulation, cardiovascular functioning, and even reducing arthritis, headaches, and flu.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • If exposed to dead or dying birds that have avian flu and symptoms — fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting or diarrhea — develop, antiviral medications are available.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of headaches
Noun
  • Watch Egerton discuss his airline travel terrors in the clip above.
    EW.com, EW.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The most recent entry, Evil Dead Rise, stars Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland as two sisters trapped in a high-rise apartment as their family is possessed by supernatural terrors.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of terrors
Noun
  • Kim, the Korean American artist, who is deaf, shared in an email that the billboard reflected personal frustrations.
    Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • These writings touched on political frustrations, societal issues, and international conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
    Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of frustrations
Noun
  • In the Prime Video clip overlaid with a theme track, the protagonist can be seen preparing to do battle against enemies who have arrived at his house, as the tension ratchets up.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
  • This is precisely what Patel has threatened to do by calling for retribution against political enemies.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of enemies
Noun
  • The Hightail also has drastically reduced maintenance needs, which remove frequent annoyances like engine rebuilds, oil changes, and air filter replacements.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Much of the testimony, as is typical when corporate figures are summoned before Congress to discuss the public’s annoyances with their industries, was slippery.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
Definition of annoyances
Noun
  • Protection From Environmental Factors Protect your hands from environmental irritants by wearing good-quality gloves or mittens in cold, dry weather.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Avoid direct contact with chemicals and any other irritants.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of irritants
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near bugbears

bugbear

bugbears

bugeye

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Cite this Entry

“Bugbears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugbears. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bugbears

Nglish: Translation of bugbears for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bugbears for Arabic Speakers

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