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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 If only his dour and prickly assistant Patricia (Kate O’Flynn) would stop mentioning her encounter with the murderous Boogeyman. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Alice Bailey Johnson is a real live wire, a perfect complement to O’Flynn’s more dour Amy. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 Matt Reeves’ film is also on the dour side, without the genre-mixing playfulness that enlivens its predecessor and sequel. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 But then a dour security officer took him aside and gave the back of his power bank the stink eye. — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 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
  • We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Hafley subsequently provided a grim update in his post-game press conference.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In their annual pre-training camp news conference at their practice facility Thursday, Pelinka and Redick talked about fictional characters perhaps because the reality is too grim for words.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • The new trailer for Paper Tiger transfers this dynamic onto the scene of a rehabilitation project for New York City’s Gowanus Canal, resulting in far graver consequences than a stern talking-to from mom.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Safety researchers have resigned from major companies and issued stern warnings that the advanced technology could pose a risk to the human race, and politicians from across the political spectrum have called for action.
    — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • At the peak of the Knights’ best run in program history in the late 2010s, the Acrisure Bounce House became one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, especially at night.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Kane and colleagues found that possessing an intimidating size wouldn't guarantee a Venusian moon's survival, either.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Economists expect Beijing to lean harder on stimulus to stabilize corporate profitability, as consolidation accelerates in sectors already facing sluggish demand, fierce competition and cutthroat price wars.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • There has been fierce fighting on Yemen's Red Sea coast as government forces attempt to reverse recent Houthi advances.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Available in a dozen colors, this jacket has a timeless but rugged style and features four pockets for your essentials.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • From the charming courtyards and upscale fashion boutiques tucked behind Worth Avenue to the rugged majesty of Jupiter’s inlets, the region is a playground for the curious traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Shane Beamer's future looks bleak after Gamecocks blew a 16-0 lead against Mississippi State and lost their sixth straight SEC game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In this rain and stiff wind, under a dark sky, from one bleak port to another.
    — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The lawsuit is one of at least 13 cases filed in 2026 by current and former Independence Police Department officers alleging hostile work environments and dysfunction within the department.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Chambliss aims to join them while avoiding a long list of talented signal callers who fell apart in one of the sport’s most-hostile environments.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

do up
dour
dourly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dour. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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