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
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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
In some cases, the situation has become dire.
—
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Fresh from a weekend in Jamaica, my hair was in dire need of a detox from all the sweat, sand, and braid conditioning gel that fused together.
—Dana Oliver, Parents, 30 May 2026
After trading away nine regulars at last year’s deadline, then slashing payroll, the prognosis was naturally dire.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Their rapid and unchecked spread has had dire consequences for workers and society.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Fresh from a weekend in Jamaica, my hair was in dire need of a detox from all the sweat, sand, and braid conditioning gel that fused together.
—Dana Oliver, Parents, 30 May 2026
After trading away nine regulars at last year’s deadline, then slashing payroll, the prognosis was naturally dire.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Their rapid and unchecked spread has had dire consequences for workers and society.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
The exterior further defines the massive, ominous-looking truck.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
And Kyle Busch himself won his first Cup championship in 2015 after suffering a broken right leg and a broken left ankle in a terrifying crash at Daytona.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
-
Robertson plays a beautiful rising but troubled Hollywood starlet who accepts what appears to be the perfect secluded retreat, only to uncover a terrifying web of secrets connected to the property’s mysterious caretaker and the haunting legacy hidden deep within its walls.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The book does often feel like a recording of a mental jam session, but there is also a sense of being guided by a kind of hesitating yet urgent voice that needs to get things figured out.—
Craig Morgan Teicher,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Drums echo off concrete walls, whistles slice through the night air, and thousands of voices gather into something loud and urgent.—
Radier Odhiambo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
For years, radical climate activists have painted a bleak view of the future.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
-
The bleak, desolate masterpiece from 1989’s Pretty Hate Machine was used to great effect in 1995’s Natural Born Killers, the first film soundtrack produced by Reznor.—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
-
The impact was particularly acute in the off-price sector.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
-
Cloud, who portrayed the endearing drug dealer Fezco O’Neill in the show’s first two seasons, died of acute intoxication — an accidental overdose — in 2023.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Almost a year out to sea is very depressing.—
Steve Walsh,
NPR,
23 May 2026
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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 5 Jun. 2026.
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