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
Meanwhile, many who lost their homes in the L.A. fires are calling for a formal government investigation of major insurance providers, alleging that delays and denials have kept them in dire financial straits and housing limbo.
—
Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
The company’s current expansion efforts are derived from the dire need for restoration, disinfection, and bioremediation services on a national scale.
—William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
But food banks remain on the alert, at a time when hunger across the U.S. is already at dire levels.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
In its second weekend — after another week of dire economic news and volatility, along with Trump hitting the pause button on tariffs — the pic grossed a huge $78.5 million over the April 11-13 frame in North America.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
The company’s current expansion efforts are derived from the dire need for restoration, disinfection, and bioremediation services on a national scale.
—William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
But food banks remain on the alert, at a time when hunger across the U.S. is already at dire levels.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
In its second weekend — after another week of dire economic news and volatility, along with Trump hitting the pause button on tariffs — the pic grossed a huge $78.5 million over the April 11-13 frame in North America.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
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The fall in the dollar and rise in bond yields that went with it have been truly ominous.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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As for what will befall patients at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, Gemmill gave CNN a pretty ominous hint.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The teaser trailer showcases the epic highs and lows of professional football, with a focus on the lows, as all of this looks terrifying.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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But despite the terrifying name, giant viruses aren’t necessarily any more dangerous than a standard-sized species.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This highlights the urgent need for tailored marketing support.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The net result is a flurry of headlines and viral social media posts followed by an urgent platform update.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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All of these episodes have different types of endings: There’s bleak to total cliffhanger to sentimental.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
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Some practical frameworks and strategies enable leaders to maintain stability, foster engagement, and position their teams for success even when the economic outlook appears bleak.—
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Thorne starred in the film as a young woman who discovers her father has been killed after returning to her small hometown, while Rourke, 72, starred as a sinister sheriff.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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As digitally dropped threats from an unknown predator grow increasingly sinister during the protagonist’s big date at a Chicago restaurant, the messages blast across the big screen in huge letters, or plaster an entire wall of the ladies’ restroom.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Wang has $106,000 in independent support, the majority of it from Empower Oakland, a nonprofit co-founded by mayoral candidate Loren Taylor that has emerged as a formidable funding arm in the city’s politics.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2025
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Cornyn is considered a formidable fundraiser; he’s brought in more than $415 million during his time in the Senate.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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The acute need for companies with this level of in-depth warmth and empathy for their clients drives ITS to expand its horizon.—
William Mullane,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This Sunday’s finale marks the end of a bizarre, depressing, and sometimes extremely funny show about a family like none other.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
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That’s been really fascinating and depressing and dispiriting to see.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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