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 Nonetheless, the disconnect between these bullish numbers and consumers’ dour mood is real. — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Grumpy and dour George I, who predominately spoke German and little English despite being an English king, despised his heir, George Augustus. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 9 July 2026 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 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
  • His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Pangan remembers of Brun, imitating his gruff voice, and shaking her head.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh Penguins fans never stop traveling for road games, even when times are grim.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Lee wanted to get back on stage from the moment the band said goodbye in August of 2015, but confirming the tour meant many months of grim-faced work.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • There, her stern Granny and poised Aunt Helen (Genevieve O’Reilly) are horrified by her lack of refinement and her indifference about finding a respectable husband.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to a stern, demanding father, the boy is further plagued by a sudden physical instability, requiring an iron body brace that keeps him ramrod-straight.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The record is 92,003, an intimidating number that AT&T Stadium can easily accommodate, and a figure that is an unspoken goal for an event coming to Arlington this month.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The nozzle is also relatively easy to access and replace from the front of the toolhead, making swaps and maintenance far less intimidating than on many older enthusiast printers.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Once known for his fierce striking, power leg kicks, wheel kicks and punches.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There's fierce competition among the seven other receivers on the camp roster for an opening day roster spot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • For instance, try balancing out the rugged look with feminine shorts like the LyreBird Silken Lace-Trim Shorts.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Summary The 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro emerges as a powerful, rugged, and handsome truck, despite its premium price and massive size.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • But some analysts forecast a bleak future for Democrats in the right-leaning district.
    — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Herons' chances of advancing were already bleak after entering the match 12th in the MLS standings following their loss to Monterrey.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The high risk of – and challenges of addressing – oil spills and other safety incidents in the hostile Arctic climate are another dissuading factor, as are environmental costs of operating there.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The episode picks up when Bret and Robert have their first tense interaction — their vaguely hostile and lightly homoerotic back-and-forth continues to be the highlight of the show for me.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dour for Spanish Speakers

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