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ire

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ire are anger, fury, indignation, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

In what contexts can anger take the place of ire?

While the synonyms anger and ire are close in meaning, anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When is it sensible to use indignation instead of ire?

In some situations, the words indignation and ire are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of ire?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to ire?

While in some cases nearly identical to ire, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 ire
Noun
Although widely credited with launching Bieber’s career as a teen phenom (with the backing of Usher), Braun’s Svengali-like guidance drew some ire from the general public, and even more so in recent years as struggles unique to child stars have been exposed in the media. Shirley Halperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025 The show has often been considered to be mocking conservatives, MAGA and people on the right, in sketches that poke fun at President Donald Trump and his supporters, which has long drawn the ire of these groups online. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 However, Chisholm pinned the blame squarely on Garcia, who had drawn the ire of Yankees fans for his comments about New York in the series. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025 In a vote on Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill Republicans have celebrated but that has drawn the ire of voting rights groups and most congressional Democrats. John Parkinson, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • The Smithsonian, the vast complex of museums that millions of Americans visit every year to see Lincoln’s top hat, the Spirit of St. Louis, Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a moon rock, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is at the center of the executive order’s indignation.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This week, President Donald Trump froze $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University, angering members of the Elbow Patch Mafia around America.
    Christian Schneider, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That meeting angered Israeli officials, and reportedly Dermer in particular.
    Alex Marquardt, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Columbia University was among the first colleges to face the wrath of Donald Trump, whose administration canceled $400 million of funding and arrested two student protesters.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time Khan has faced the wrath of India’s Hindu right.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For many out-of-network doctors, payments lower than their invoices are an infuriating part of doing business.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Image On the left, the governor’s decision to engage with Mr. Kirk has infuriated Mr. Newsom’s allies.
    Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field, and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Warren was beloved by the Cherry Grove community — by then, the Pines’s more bohemian counterpart — and her rejection enraged many, including Thom Hansen, who performed in drag as Panzi.
    Elyssa Goodman, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
  • In the TikTok video that enraged so many of these men, the gimmick is that the executives are participating in a girly TikTok trend within the confines of their office.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s supporters responded to the ruling with fury, with some calling for the administration to ignore the emergency decision.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Daredevil wails on them with (non-lethal!) fury, whereas Frank… well, he is called The Punisher.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time, designer-label wool pencil skirts, sheer blouses, flares, furs and leather coats were all the rage, but with the launch of Dressbarn, Jaffe managed to offer her customers the latest in fashion, including designer looks, at much lower prices.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Seems like podcasts are all the rage these days, so what makes Tracy's any different?
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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