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
Still, an obvious pall hung over the team, and no one needed to ask why the atmosphere was so dire.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Given California’s dire fiscal state, the time to start is now.
—Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026
Sorensen argued the city is in dire need of workforce and affordable housing.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
But the situation in California is particularly dire.
—Lanhee J. Chen, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Given California’s dire fiscal state, the time to start is now.
—Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026
Sorensen argued the city is in dire need of workforce and affordable housing.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
But the situation in California is particularly dire.
—Lanhee J. Chen, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
But for now, his parting words were ominous.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The ominous silence is more evidence of a city mired in political intrigue with too little transparency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
After reviewing footage from monitoring cameras set up in the child’s room, the father, who has not been publicly identified, saw a terrifying incident of violence against his son, which had taken place two days earlier, according to authorities.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Many mothers in the Twin Cities marched the streets in the wake of the murders and terrifying kidnappings by ICE, and many mothers organized in other ways, moving food and money to food shelves, families sheltering-in-place, and rent relief funds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Griffiths and Smith meet on Zoom, spending the first 15 to 20 minutes talking through current challenges, followed by a 30- to 40-minute hypnotherapy session to specifically target her urgent issues.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The family's latest message as the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie enters its eighth day.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Internet connectivity has been partially restored, but experts are warning that, even on the other side of the digital blackout, the outlook for Iranian internet access remains bleak.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In Havana, reaction to the president's upcoming contingency plan to grapple with fuel shortages was bleak.—
Orlando Matos,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One of them has fashioned a sinister balaclava out of his cap and neck gaiter.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
-
While the visual effect can be startling, there is nothing sinister at play.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Schwesinger was the favorite coming into the night after a tremendous year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense despite what the record may say in 2025.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Premiering every week on HBO to rave reviews from fans and critics alike, this season has kicked things into fifth gear and created a formidable villain in newcomer Whitney Halberstram (Max Minghella).—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The impact has been especially acute in Minneapolis.—
Serena Maria Daniels,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The abrupt removal of Maduro left a vacuum that was quickly filled by Rodríguez, who assumed the interim presidency in a moment of acute political and institutional uncertainty.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
More depressing, the brothers say.—
Max Chesnes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Any insight into the thought processes of people like him is informative and amusing, if a bit depressing as well.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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