1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a dire forecast of a plunge in stock prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
a series of dire tremors that hinted at a huge volcanic eruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
a dire need for food and medicine in the famine-stricken country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
with stock prices steadily falling, these are dire days on the trading floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dire
Despite dire concerns, there was a slight sense of optimism among the half-empty convention hall and quiet hotel hallways.
—
ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
The biggest winter storm of the new year loomed over the picturesque mountains, meanwhile, as dire warnings from forecasters echoed on social media.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Regardless, the fuel shortage in Cuba has become dire, leading to blackouts across the country, including in the capital, Havana, and affecting food prices and transportation.
—Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
The situation is already dire when the story begins.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
The biggest winter storm of the new year loomed over the picturesque mountains, meanwhile, as dire warnings from forecasters echoed on social media.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Regardless, the fuel shortage in Cuba has become dire, leading to blackouts across the country, including in the capital, Havana, and affecting food prices and transportation.
—Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
The situation is already dire when the story begins.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
Cut to black, episode over, very ominous.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Removing the safety language sparks concerns for some nonprofit accountability scholars like Alnoor Ebrahim, who first noticed the change and warned of a potential ominous future ahead for a company marred by growing safety concerns.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The frantic energy, the emotional volatility, the crazy eyes — Metcalf uses every tool in her acting arsenal to turn a cheap plot twist into the most terrifying adversary Sidney faces.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
My mom was around at the time and told me stories about what that was like, just obviously terrifying.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The high-frequency waves feel urgent.—
Ajaypal Banga,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Because the exodus is so urgent, not from the people who are fired but from the people who may be fired.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The outlook is bleak for Spurs.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And are at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions.—
February 25,
NPR,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The story takes on an even more sinister air when Jennifer and Fernando reunite in Mexico.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With platinum plaques, festival stages, and a partnership with Scott that has evolved into a formidable creative enterprise, Chase B’s career stands at a pivotal inflection point.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
In Angola, the Cuban revolutionary Jorge Risquet spent several years coordinating Cuban and Soviet support for the country’s Marxist government fighting, and defeating, a formidable tandem of CIA cash and South African firepower.—
Alfred McCoy,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Meredith’s death report lists methamphetamine intoxication as a significant condition, while Shoots’ lists acute and chronic alcohol toxicity as a significant condition.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The need to create shared prosperity is growing more acute.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One day, one of the less depressing reminders of said past comes knocking in the form of an old Navy SEAL buddy, Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green, who’s evolved from Tom Hardy clone to Jon Bernthal lookalike).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
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But Funt’s writing about sports gambling’s ‘winners’ is almost as depressing as the look at its losers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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