Bugbear: alternatives and connections

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26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives

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350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type

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Bugbear

Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, used to frighten children, etc.

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46 useful connections shown 4 reviewed relationships and 42 broader connections.

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Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

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Broader term 2

Monster 76% connected

Something of unnatural size, shape, or quality; a prodigy; an enormity; a marvel.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

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Object 76% connected

To set before or against; to bring into opposition; to oppose.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

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Synonym 2

Bugaboo 92% connected

Alt. of Bugbear

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

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Hobgoblin 92% connected

A frightful goblin; an imp; a bugaboo; also, a name formerly given to the household spirit, Robin Goodfellow.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Definition Compare both words

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