IRE Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ire 1 of 2

noun

ˈī(-ə)r

Definition of ire next

as in indignation

an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something the patronizing comment from the snooty waiter roused her ire

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ire

2 of 2

verb

as in to anger

to make angry nothing ires him more than having to wait for his dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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

However, that spending bill sparked the ire of Elon Musk, a close ally to President-elect Donald Trump and the world's richest man, who opposed the spending measures in the bill. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Johnson ultimately dropped the voting provision and sought Democrats' help to get the continuing resolution across the line — sparking ire from his caucus' right flank. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 The military movement comes days after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te sparked Beijing’s ire by making unofficial stops in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam during a weeklong South Pacific tour, which wrapped Friday. —

Wayne Chang, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 The food dye, which is largely banned in the European Union, has for years drawn the ire of advocates, public health groups and lawmakers due to scientific studies linking it to health issues. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire

Noun

Trump has skated again and could care less about their indignation.

Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Trowbridge is so concerned that he’s posted officers at both of her residences (something Dennison describes with arid indignation as a spectacular misuse of public monies).

Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024