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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dire
Now the brain rot persists, but the underlying subject matter is more dire.
—
Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Despite its dire status in Scotland, the European wildcat species as a whole remains relatively secure, with strongholds across mainland Europe.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
And her time frame will be narrow because the fiscal picture is so dire and the mayoral term is so short.
—East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
Other situations, while just as dire, don’t have happy endings.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Despite its dire status in Scotland, the European wildcat species as a whole remains relatively secure, with strongholds across mainland Europe.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
And her time frame will be narrow because the fiscal picture is so dire and the mayoral term is so short.
—East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2025
Other situations, while just as dire, don’t have happy endings.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 21 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
-
The ominous outlook sent FedEx shares down nearly 10 percent in Friday morning trading.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Back in August, Renner spoke about how his terrifying snowplow accident in January 2023 led to his daughter becoming a little more independent.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The terrifying predicament happened Sunday, March 23, in a wooded area off Interstate 10 in LaPlace, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a March 26 news release.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But starting last year, states were permitted to use the funds for a broader range of urgent public health needs, including monitoring and testing for other respiratory viruses, providing vaccines for children and uninsured adults and strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the board issued urgent safety recommendations last week, telling bridge owners to conduct vulnerability assessments.—
Lea Skene,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
When powered on, the TV reveals four children apparently trapped inside and held captive by sinister forces.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
-
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
-
In the vast plains of North America, a formidable predator once reigned supreme.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Gian Cho, executive director of the Belize National Forensic Science Service, confirmed in a toxicology report obtained by the outlets that the three women died of acute pulmonary edema, which was triggered by excessive carbon monoxide exposure.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Lab reports confirmed the child was suffering from an acute intoxication due to an exposure to methamphetamines or other stimulant. ...—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The truth is more depressing: This show is bad in the usual manner of reality television.—
Peter Tonguette,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
-
That wasn’t even the most depressing of Vlasic’s quotes.—
Scott Powers,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share