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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dire
Worse yet, the region is already facing a water crisis, a dire environmental predicament that could be made far worse by the development.
—
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026
Tackling the need for blood donations Blood Assurance says donors like Nabors are critical because nationwide shortages are becoming dire for some patients.
—Monique John, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Advocates warn of dire consequences Medical groups and advocates for patients uniformly panned the rule.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 3 June 2026
But 2026 Red Sox aren’t in such dire straits as the ’32 team.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026
Tackling the need for blood donations Blood Assurance says donors like Nabors are critical because nationwide shortages are becoming dire for some patients.
—Monique John, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Advocates warn of dire consequences Medical groups and advocates for patients uniformly panned the rule.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 3 June 2026
But 2026 Red Sox aren’t in such dire straits as the ’32 team.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
What matters is the atmosphere Muir creates, which is as dark and ominous as that of any black-metal record, and even more unsettling for its alienness.—
Brad Sanders,
Pitchfork,
8 June 2026
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Inside the building, a terrifying hourslong ordeal was just beginning for those who couldn’t get out.—
Maria Aguilar Prieto,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Some things in life are fundamentally different in ways that no one ever realizes ahead of time, and the amazing feeling of G-forces in my butt, very like flying on the ground, was at once a 10/10 gratifying and terrifying experience.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
But for younger generations, these messages have become even more urgent.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
This year, though, is things are looking bleak.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Charli and preeminent pop divas Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande are releasing some of the bleakest music of their careers just in time for summer, the traditional season for party anthems and celebratory bangers.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the film, actress Midori Francis plays Hana, a medical student who becomes terrorized by a sinister force after partaking in the latest dieting fad — eating human ashes.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
-
Yet a sinister rage brews within the former chef, flickering alive with the smallest spark.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Cuban military, once a formidable expeditionary force during Cold War campaigns in Africa, now struggles with chronic fuel shortages, aging equipment, limited mobility and poor readiness, Pérez said.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
-
The elder Jackson, one of Chicago’s most famous civil rights icons, died in February and left his formidable organization to his son Yusef.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Vandenberg, a mom of two, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2009.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
The state faces a severe shortage of mental health beds, as residents in 24 of the 58 counties do not have access to acute psychiatric hospital services, according to California Hospital Association.—
Philip Wang,
Time,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Almost a year out to sea is very depressing.—
Steve Walsh,
NPR,
23 May 2026
-
Some sendoffs are mundane; others are downright depressing.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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