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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dire
In a letter to campus, Columbia's president, Katrina Armstrong, said the unprecedented cuts would pose dire consequences to the prestigious university's teaching, research and major medical operations.
—
Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
We are likely not headed into another one of those kinds of dire periods, but there are signs that the consumer and companies are pulling back.
—John Melloy, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
The account, which painted a less dire picture of the current state of affairs within the agency, marks the most detailed explanation of DOGE’s efforts to cut back costs within the agency yet after several declarations cast into question the scope of changes.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Ripley’s wrestling his demons, and in the midst of that wrestle, this event kind of takes place, which, in a lot of ways, fast-tracks the wrestling as the circumstances turn a little dire.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
We are likely not headed into another one of those kinds of dire periods, but there are signs that the consumer and companies are pulling back.
—John Melloy, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
The account, which painted a less dire picture of the current state of affairs within the agency, marks the most detailed explanation of DOGE’s efforts to cut back costs within the agency yet after several declarations cast into question the scope of changes.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Ripley’s wrestling his demons, and in the midst of that wrestle, this event kind of takes place, which, in a lot of ways, fast-tracks the wrestling as the circumstances turn a little dire.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
Although the change sounds ominous, the option only worked on three devices: the 4th generation Echo Dot, the Echo Show 10 and the Echo Show 15.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
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The ominous outlook sent FedEx shares down nearly 10 percent in Friday morning trading.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the terrifying incidinet, only eight passengers were on board at the time, and no one sustained serious injuries.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
14 Mar. 2025
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And yet somehow, this horror film about a family whose new home is haunted by a spirit never runs out of gas, managing to resonate as a powerful domestic drama and as a terrifying story about grief and love.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The National Transportation Safety Board says there are urgent safety concerns in the airspace around Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
14 Mar. 2025
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The big picture: The closure comes after the National Transportation Safety Board's urgent recommendation earlier this week, following the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in decades.—
Sareen Habeshian,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Voters were also asked to give one word to describe the Democratic Party, and the responses were bleak.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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Outside of the December slide, this is as bleak as it’s looked for the Rangers this season.—
Arthur Staple,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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When powered on, the TV reveals four children apparently trapped inside and held captive by sinister forces.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
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The new Rhino release amplifies the darkness, letting every sinister detail seethe to the surface.—
Darryn King,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Connecticut’s offense is formidable, but its defense is suspect.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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In the vast plains of North America, a formidable predator once reigned supreme.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The imbalance between the scarce supply of AI talent and the acute demand for it at Big Tech companies and startups alike, poses a looming predicament for the fast-growing AI industry.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
15 Mar. 2025
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Arsenal and Arteta’s long-term admiration remains and their need for a centre-forward is acute.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Still, overall traffic expectations in Meridian are basically pretty depressing.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2025
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Depending on your point of view, either the depressing vibes outweigh the gorgeous animation or the gorgeous animation outweighs the depressing vibes.—
Jeremy Fassler,
Vulture,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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