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
Relevance
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
The problem is that this is misleadingly planting dour ideas in my head and could prod me into a worse mental condition.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The dour sentiment reading comes at a time when a large swath of data paints a picture of a resilient US economy while the stock market continues to hit new highs.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Largely told in a dour naturalistic visual language, Barnard switches things up for one a classically beautiful image of lights shimmering on water.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
These dour trends align with what economically skittish Americans told pollsters who create the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dour
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The dour sentiment reading comes at a time when a large swath of data paints a picture of a resilient US economy while the stock market continues to hit new highs.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Largely told in a dour naturalistic visual language, Barnard switches things up for one a classically beautiful image of lights shimmering on water.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
These dour trends align with what economically skittish Americans told pollsters who create the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dour
Adjective
-
Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
-
With his gruff voice, beard and sweatshirts-instead-of-suits, Platner cuts the figure of a blue-collar Mainer.—
Caroline McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The two of them sit watching the four of us with grim fascination, as if at a public hearing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
In the early days of the Iran war, analysts held the grim prediction that crude oil prices would top $200 a barrel, nearly triple pre-war prices.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Firth is chilling, pushing his stern, fiercely intelligent demeanor in increasingly sinister directions and bringing nuance and gravity to the lengths Scanlon will go to fulfill his mandate, whatever the cost.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
-
These adults are headed by Kevin Earley, who early on makes for a starchy rather than stern Captain.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Bring Something to Share In some soft socializing settings, bringing something to share can also foster a sense of connection, and small acts of participation may help make socializing feel less intimidating and more collaborative.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
-
When safety is embedded into the workplace culture, changing regulations become less intimidating because the organization is already oriented around protecting people.—
John F. McQuillan,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
What all present did expect was a fierce contest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Bagnulo noted that the competition will be fierce.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Unpredictable weather and rugged camping conditions add to the adventure rather than detract from it, and the route sits high on many hikers’ bucket lists for that reason.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Top Gear is alluding to the G-Wagon's legitimate off-roading chops thanks to its ground clearance and rugged build.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
This year, though, is things are looking bleak.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Charli and preeminent pop divas Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande are releasing some of the bleakest music of their careers just in time for summer, the traditional season for party anthems and celebratory bangers.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Many Christians seek to keep a hostile world at bay by discouraging inquiry and critical thinking, by empowering theological enforcers, and by drawing narrow doctrinal boundaries.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
While some states would be hostile to public university athletes attempts to gain employment recognition, others might be more welcoming.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dour. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
