dour

adjective

ˈdau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce dour (audio)
Definition of dournext
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a dour prison guard who didn't look like he'd be very understanding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dour Apocalyptic, yeah, but never dour — more like a call to arms. — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 The dour feeling that this book produces is the exact opposite of the invigorating excitement that Scorsese conveys when discussing movie magic. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Even so, Americans have continued to spend despite their dour outlook, which has kept the economy growing even as inflation accelerated. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 30 June 2026 His dour reputation was at odds with his early artistic pursuits. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dour
  1. gruff
  2. grim
  3. stern
  4. intimidating
  5. fierce
  6. rugged
  7. bleak
  8. hostile
Adjective
  • Homer’s character, notorious as a schemer, here comes off as plain and direct—a gruff, practical tactician, rather than something more energetically inventive and morally dubious.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.
    — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • The tropes of the crime novel wear thin, with its grim foreshadowing and prodigious exposition.
    — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • But extrapolating from limited empirical studies paints a grim picture.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 July 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • In Elliott’s Connecticut, the governor would send a busload of stern but compassionate counselors to protect workers hiding in their office where a gunman lurks.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Burnham brings a more relaxed style of leadership than the rather stern Starmer, and is regarded as one of the Labour Party’s best communicators.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Epic Inky Stix in Robotic Red make experimenting with red eyeliner feel a whole lot less intimidating.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
  • But success has not made his career’s work any less intimidating.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Both yachts will provide fierce competition against Svea, owned by Swedish entrepreneur Niklas Zennström, when the trio meet at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in late September.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
  • Argentina's greatest strengths lie in their infectious unity and fierce mentality.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Damon is rugged and haunting in this absolute star turn as Odysseus, who, in a departure from the wilier original, is written as a true-hearted hero whose primary flaw was his unwavering loyalty to his men and his family.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Authorities say the incident unfolded Thursday afternoon near Gumboot Lake in Siskiyou County, a rugged forested area west of Interstate 5 and near the Oregon border.
    — David Benda, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Political instability is the new normal, and the national mood is bleak.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • And into this bleak landscape marches the blue-haired angel, Gabriel.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

do up
dour
dourly
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Cite this Entry

“Dour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dour. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dour for Spanish Speakers

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