as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a dour prison guard who didn't look like he'd be very understanding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 dour
Moss’ dour expression, over-relied upon for silent exposition throughout six seasons, conveys terror in the here and now, as well as for a future where fear is replaced by acquiescence.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
In 2005, Ghalibaf wore a white suit at some campaign events, apparently to present a more moderate image, in stark contrast to the generally dour fashion sense of most politicians.
—Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Conversely, a struggling Tatis eventually becomes a dour Tatis.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
After the most joyful and fun performance of several seasons comes the dour Nini.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dour
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
In 2005, Ghalibaf wore a white suit at some campaign events, apparently to present a more moderate image, in stark contrast to the generally dour fashion sense of most politicians.
—Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Conversely, a struggling Tatis eventually becomes a dour Tatis.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
After the most joyful and fun performance of several seasons comes the dour Nini.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dour
Adjective
-
Apparently, the gruff fighter Johnny Cage wasn’t much of a match for the all-powerful Miranda Priestly.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
Iron Maiden’s singer when Smith joined, Di’Anno, had short hair and a uniquely gruff voice but couldn’t cut it on the road.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And if The Devil Wears Prada 2 is any kind of morale bellwether for big media, even the ten people with job security are feeling grim about the mouth.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
Continue reading … BEHIND CLOSED DOORS — Babysitter’s grim discovery exposes deadly family secret inside luxury home.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Yet Gilgeous-Alexander’s own diagnosis of his night, stern and accountable, showed no trace of concern.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
-
His father, a billboard magnate, was a stern man who would whip his son with a razor strap for stepping out of line, but the youngster refused to capitulate to his dad’s authority.—
Paul Bond,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
You might be asked to step up, own up to a mistake or take the lead in a way that feels more intimidating than usual.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
-
While no medical procedure is fun, exactly, some can feel more intimidating than others.—
Holly Burns,
Time,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
But creating that space has proven challenging, with plans for two new shelters in the city limits abandoned in recent years after fierce neighborhood opposition.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Waves of silicon, metal, and concrete would spoil views of Sardinia’s stunning beaches, rugged mountains, ancient pastures, and idyllic medieval villages, after all.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
-
Crews are also using multiple techniques in the rugged terrain, including rim trail scanning, walk-down routes into the canyon, technical rope insertions, aerial reconnaissance flights and drone operations, park officials said.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The job market is showing intermittent signs of recovery after a bleak 2025.—
Paul Wiseman,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
The outlook appeared so bleak that Alexey Miranchuk gestured to the heavens and said, if the team could acquire help from a higher power and get a road win, maybe the ship could be steered in the right direction.—
Amna Subhan,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Being on the road and in a hostile environment is something that Ayton also is looking forward to.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
The race between Jones and Jackson has been incredibly hostile, with both releasing a myriad of attack ads and going after one another in debates.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dour. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
