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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dire
Florida has critical funding shortfalls in many areas — including mental-health services, homelessness prevention and programs targeted at families whose dire economic circumstances are dimming their children’s hope for a brighter future.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Starring Oscar Isaac as a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a monstrous creature (played by Jacob Elordi) to life despite all odds and with dire consequences.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Eric Bieniemy’s return ☝️ At a time when the Chiefs are in dire need of new voices, Andy Reid appears to be turning to a familiar face in Eric Bieniemy instead of embracing change.
—Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump on Thursday repeated his frequent warnings that the group will have to disarm or face dire consequences.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Starring Oscar Isaac as a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a monstrous creature (played by Jacob Elordi) to life despite all odds and with dire consequences.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Eric Bieniemy’s return ☝️ At a time when the Chiefs are in dire need of new voices, Andy Reid appears to be turning to a familiar face in Eric Bieniemy instead of embracing change.
—Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump on Thursday repeated his frequent warnings that the group will have to disarm or face dire consequences.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
-
One prospect is as ominous as that of a government capturing its universities for political purposes — a government encouraging antisemitism under the guise of opposing it.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2026
-
But experts warn that the Iranian regime has learned an ominous lesson.—
Ilan Berman,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pregnancy and birth carry its own battles and terrifying statistics.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The editorial board then throws in the new scare tactic for good measure at the end, claiming that there is some terrifying epidemic of puking, screaming and hospitalizations as the result of THC use (relying on spotty data, none of which has been linked to THC beverages).—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Health officials in Gaza say tens of thousands of residents with urgent medical needs are seeking evacuation through Rafah, underscoring the pressure on the crossing even as access remains tightly controlled.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Unable to work a traditional job and with a toddler to care for, money also was a constant concern for Franyelis, making her return to Venezuela all the more urgent.—
Maeva Bambuck,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran’s 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.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The same brush painted the bleak picture for both schools.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The same sad and sinister menace occupying 1600 Penn.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The character was previously only seen from behind or in close-ups of his hands petting his sinister white kitty.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But Isbell runs the race on a stark and formidable solo album and a batting average of six wins for eight nods (prior to this year’s three more).—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Van Scoyoc and Cohen will be a formidable one-two duo for Palos Verdes.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The 48-bed hospital in Brea and 109-bed hospital in Westminster treat patients for longer stays, typically after they are discharged from acute-care hospitals.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Hal, in his academic brilliance, tennis talent, and acute anxiety, is the character who most resembles his creator.—
Hermione Hoby,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Winter can be gloomy, dreary, and depressing.—
Kari Leibowitz,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Suggesting that Hallam was trying to make a name for himself was a depressing line for Guardiola to attack.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
