boogeyman

[boog-ee-man, boo-gee-] / ˈbʊg iˌmæn, ˈbu gi- /

NOUN

bogey

Synonyms

STRONG

apparition bogeyman boggle bugaboo bugbear goblin hobgoblin monster phantasm phantasma phantom specter spirit spook visitant wraith

WEAK

bogle bogyman boogieman eidolon evil spirit

Antonyms

STRONG

being reality

NOUN

bogeyman

Synonyms

STRONG

apparition bogey bugaboo bugbear goblin hobgoblin monster phantasm phantasma phantom specter spirit spook visitant wraith

WEAK

boggle bogle bogyman boogieman eidolon evil spirit

Antonyms

STRONG

being reality

NOUN

bogle

Synonyms

WEAK

apparition bogey bogeyman boggle bogyman boogieman bugaboo bugbear eidolon evil spirit goblin hobgoblin monster phantasm phantasma phantom specter spirit spook visitant wraith

NOUN

bugbear

Synonyms

STRONG

apprehension bogey bogy bugaboo dread fear goblin gremlin hobgoblin loup-garou ogre problem scare specter terror threat wraith

Antonyms

STRONG

bravery calmness courage ease

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.

Artificial intelligence could be the boogeyman that gnaws at market share.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

And it would give the Bills another chance to really get over their boogeyman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Was Deen really an early victim of the fictitious celebrity boogeyman now known as “cancel culture,” or was she appropriately harangued?

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

Craig said the characters’ frequent misinterpretations took on the role of the “monster,” since this is a horror movie without a true boogeyman.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

I am the boogeyman parents use to get their children to behave.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

boogeyman

Example Sentences

Related Words