1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a dire forecast of a plunge in stock prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
a series of dire tremors that hinted at a huge volcanic eruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
a dire need for food and medicine in the famine-stricken country
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
with stock prices steadily falling, these are dire days on the trading floor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dire
We're being told that things might not be that dire after all.
—
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
The Trump Justice Department also filed a brief warning of potentially dire economic fallout this week should the courts reverse Trump’s tariffs.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
His dire depiction of the nation’s capital is at odds, however, with federal data showing that violent crime in the District has dropped to its lowest level in three decades.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
Though the mayor is expressing interest in addressing the dire situation Miami-Dade’s arts and cultural community is facing, Boone said interest isn’t enough.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
The Trump Justice Department also filed a brief warning of potentially dire economic fallout this week should the courts reverse Trump’s tariffs.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
His dire depiction of the nation’s capital is at odds, however, with federal data showing that violent crime in the District has dropped to its lowest level in three decades.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
Though the mayor is expressing interest in addressing the dire situation Miami-Dade’s arts and cultural community is facing, Boone said interest isn’t enough.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Aug. 2025
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After an ominous July jobs report – which also showed that hiring was much weaker than originally reported in May and June – the central bank was widely expected to cut interest rates at its meeting next month in a bid to recharge hiring.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What to know about the committee’s investigation into Epstein. 'Like a horror movie' Exhausting, terrifying and like something out of a horror movie.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Trump, in the lead-up to his meeting with Putin, repeatedly stressed the need for an urgent, long-lasting ceasefire in the war.—
Erin Doherty,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
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This research emphasizes the urgent need for stronger safeguards as AI agents become more embedded in business operations.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Directed by Paul Schrader with a script by Bret Easton Ellis, this spiritually bleak L.A. drama features Lohan’s most daring performance, and probably the only one that manages to break completely with her childhood and adolescent roles.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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The situation is bleak enough that, even if aid increases rapidly in the coming weeks, deaths from starvation are almost certain to rise.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For The Fin, his team worked to make the dim light extra grainy, giving it a particularly sinister quality.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
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This turns out to be another name for Galactus, a surprisingly scary Marvel villain played with sinister sincerity by Ralph Ineson.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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After decades of battling brutal conditions in the Bering Sea, Hansen, 59, is now facing something even more formidable than icy waves — his own mortality.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Huntington Beach: The Oilers remain formidable with the return of All-County duo of Roxie Shaia and Taylor Savage at quarterback and wide receiver, respectively. 4.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Raids outside Home Depot stores have been particularly acute in California.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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With acute insight and sly humor, Fumio Yamamoto depicts the lives of modern Japanese women in all their complexity.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Gambling today, however, is a sad and depressing experience, nothing like my dad’s and my Atlantic City adventure.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Aug. 2025
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And yet, somehow, the most depressing show on TV—with the exception of any news broadcast, at least—is a reality soap about bougie couples in the suburbs of Los Angeles.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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