Black widows are venomous spiders that are commonly found in North America. The term "black widows" refers specifically to female spiders of the Latrodectus genus, which are known for their distinct black coloration and red hourglass-shaped markings on their abdomens. These spiders are highly venomous and their bites can be dangerous to humans, making them a common object of fear and fascination. As for synonyms, there are several terms that are often used to describe these spiders. Some of the most common include "venomous spiders," "Latrodectus spiders," "hourglass spiders," and "redback spiders," which is a term used primarily in Australia. Other synonyms might include "poisonous spiders" or "deadly spiders," although these terms are generally applied to any spider species that is known to pose a threat to humans.