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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
Yamanaka’s writing had met with acclaim and ire from the start. Erin Khuê Ninh june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 Justin Sullivan—Getty Images A special recall election put Newsom’s position at risk in 2021 as voters expressed ire over his policies on immigration, homelessness, and the death penalty. Solcyré Burga, Time, 12 June 2025 As a sanctuary city—which means the city’s resources cannot be used for federal immigration enforcement—Los Angeles is considered a clear target for Miller’s ire. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 That eye-popping figure is drawing a lot of ire from Republicans, from President Trump to top lawmakers in Congress. Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • Editors’ Picks 36 Hours in Rome Living the Slop Life Image Some online commentators have expressed indignation about the online content, saying that the banter about a Catholic leader is offensive.
    Emma Bubola, New York Times, 7 May 2025
  • As the film progresses, this wide-eyed curiosity shifts to righteous indignation, but these reactions are muddled by her feelings for Basem.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The presence was much larger than when officials detained an immigrant last week and appeared to be a continuation of the new and controversial practice that has troubled attorneys, angered activists and increased fears for immigrants.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • Read more: Vikings' Reason For Passing on Aaron Rodgers Revealed: Report Keeping that in mind, a new prediction has been made for the Vikings that will anger the fan base.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Esper incurred Trump’s wrath for urging restraint in deploying the military against protesters.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Most of the field wasn’t as pleased as Spaun as many of the tournament’s biggest names and the world’s best players felt Oakmont’s wrath early and often.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Every child should be wanted for their own wonderful, infuriating, adorable self, just as every family should be supported by any government that wants to see this country flourish.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • The wait has been infuriating, stretching the boundaries of trust and raising serious questions about what happened to millions of dollars raised toward the ostensible goal of creating a suitable tribute.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • In an environment where virality often outperforms veracity, the temptation rises: optimize for engagement, lean into outrage and co-opt the aesthetic of authenticity without accountability.
    ByLyric Mandell, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Months of arrests in Charlotte ICE has been making increasingly public arrests in Mecklenburg County over the last several months, stoking fear and outrage.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Still, from February 27th to March 19th, Guild did not receive therapy because an extension of his treatments needed to be approved by the V.A. Morgan watched, enraged, as Collins defended the V.A. cuts.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 12 June 2025
  • The Haredim’s widespread refusal to serve, and threats to topple the government during wartime, have enraged many Israelis, especially those who have served multiple rounds of reserve duty.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • And he is compelled by a righteous fury to warn others of his son’s dark path to self-annihilation.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
  • Israel, in its fury, decimated Hamas and wiped out its leadership—including Sinwar—and also killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Oakmont has hosted this tournament 10 times, and the glass-like greens and extremely thick rough can always turn head-scratchers into all-out fits of rage.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
  • Walked with volume, spoke with volume, in joy and in rage.
    Hanif Abdurraqib June 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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