ire 1 of 2

Definition of irenext

ire

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ire are anger, fury, indignation, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

In what contexts can anger take the place of ire?

While the synonyms anger and ire are close in meaning, anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When is it sensible to use indignation instead of ire?

In some situations, the words indignation and ire are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of ire?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to ire?

While in some cases nearly identical to ire, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

How does the noun ire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ire are anger, fury, indignation, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

In what contexts can anger take the place of ire?

While the synonyms anger and ire are close in meaning, anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When is it sensible to use indignation instead of ire?

In some situations, the words indignation and ire are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of ire?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to ire?

While in some cases nearly identical to ire, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 ire
Noun
The secrecy has drawn the ire of Republicans who control the Legislature and the system’s budget. Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 What makes these interactions between the private sector and the White House noteworthy, though, is not merely the frequent lobbying in support of business interests but the elaborate performances necessary to avoid the president’s ire. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
The controversial project The prospect of an ICE detention center in a Kansas City warehouse has drawn criticism and ire for weeks. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 Around a half hour of public comment followed the announcement, as speakers voiced both disappointment in the teacher’s departure and ire over the post to his personal social media. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • Surely there was something more beneath all this mild pleasantness, some edge of resentment, a few shards of indignation on the brink of cutting through.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Although this was not the first time Ticketmaster’s price surges had angered fans, the controversies reached a new peak just months later when botched ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour triggered widespread outrage and congressional scrutiny.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Fellow cast member Meghan King became skeptical of his symptoms and questioned his illness, which angered many of her costars — including Gunvalson.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The immediate object of Uthmeier’s wrath is the Rooney Rule, voluntarily adopted more than two decades ago by the NFL to ensure that minority candidates are interviewed for coaching positions.
    Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
  • But in removing Zhang, Xi is sending a signal that no one is safe from his wrath.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Experts say gas price hikes infuriate Americans more than most other goods.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The decision infuriated local opponents, who have applauded selectmen’s decision in mid-March to authorize legal action to try to reverse the vote.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The outrage was loud enough that, the following day, the Wizards released an apology.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In Carlsbad, an 11-year-old Black girl was physically assaulted in an incident that sparked community outrage.
    Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After the Gamecocks defeated the Huskies, Staley and Auriemma went viral with their interaction at midcourt, where Auriemma appeared to enrage Staley before walking off.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
  • That deal enraged House Republicans, who refused to consider the Senate's compromise and instead opted to pass their own stopgap spending measure that would continue funding for all of DHS — including ICE and CBP — through May 22 and sending it back to the Senate.
    Justin Papp,Garrett Downs, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Camilla’s been getting the brunt of Sarah’s fury.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Time and again, the Venezuelan opposition has converted popular fury into political momentum, only to watch Chavismo regroup, survive, and consolidate.
    Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Infiniti lets us in on Agnes’ mounting disillusionment in small doses hinting at pain and, possibly, rage (add Carrie to the underdeveloped influences).
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • There is hope in words that can reframe our perspectives, entertain and offer humor, or commiserate in our rage or grief.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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