Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jefferson and Hamilton, bêtes noires on so many issues, framed the debate.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2024

Seeing one of his bêtes noires — racial gerrymandering — at work, Mr. Blum recruited the former mayor, Don Higginson, as a plaintiff, and on Oct.

From New York Times • Nov. 19, 2017

Even two of his bêtes noires, Rupert Murdoch and Judith Miller, found themselves the unlikely subjects of Shafer-typed defenses.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2016

Godzilla, then a new paper combining two bêtes noires of pseudoscientific scaremongers – mini black holes and the collapse of the vacuum—may appeal to you.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 3, 2015

The trenchant author of "Reflections without Rancour" displays his customary vigilance as a censor of bêtes noires, not sparing the whip even when some of the animals are dead.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, August 15, 1917 by Various