ire

1 of 2

noun

ˈī(-ə)r 

: intense and usually openly displayed anger

ire transitive verb

ireful

ˈī(-ə)r-fəl 

adjective

Ire

2 of 2

abbreviation

Ireland

Synonyms of ire

Noun

• indignation
• anger
• wrath
• outrage
• fury
• rage

Choose the Right Synonym for ire

anger, ire, rage, fury, indignation, wrath mean an intense emotional state induced by displeasure.

anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

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

shook with rage

could not contain his fury

indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

Examples of ire in a Sentence

Noun

He directed his ire at the coworkers who reported the incident.

the patronizing comment from the snooty waiter roused her ire

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The primary focus will be on manager Thomas Tuchel, the German perfectionist who drew the ire of his nation after being critical of the Three Lions’ performance in the quarterfinal win over Norway. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

The court’s decision was met with immediate and intense backlash across college sports, with much of the ire directed at Texas Tech. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Given Allen's polarizing status among much of the mainstream sports media — he is often cast as the Big Bad White Quarterback — his leap over Mahomes will undoubtedly draw the ire of some critics. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

The company’s fleet of Broncos has also drawn the ire of Ford over alleged trademark and advertising violations, sparking a lawsuit that remains pending. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ira; perhaps akin to Greek oistros gadfly, frenzy

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ire

• dire
• lyre
• mire
• quire
• spire
• squire
• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire

Kids Definition

ire

noun

ˈī(ə)r 

: anger entry 1

ire verb

ireful

-fəl 

adjective

irefully

-fə-lē

adverb