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

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 final days of Village Roadshow saw the production company late on its payments to writers, which drew the ire of the WGA West. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025 County board intervenes The project has brought the ire of local residents during the past year, as landowners in the area have voiced concerns about possible impacts to property taxes, wildlife and agricultural land, among other issues. Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Yamanaka’s writing had met with acclaim and ire from the start. Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • Regardless of our paths — whether that meant escaping war in Ethiopia or being the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors — many of us labor under the belief that this work requires us to commit to the ideals of this nation and not the indignation and nightmare of the insurrection.
    Sarah Ghermay, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
  • How else to account for the ferocity of the public indignation?
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • With an economy that is persistently reliant on crude, pursuing policies that raise energy costs risks angering constituents.
    Justin Worland, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The board instead approved a resolution to reexamine current campus spaces, angering some parents.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The lingering fear of Jerry's wrath?
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Voicer Jim Black is off to a good start and halfway there with the earliest biblical account of God’s wrath at humanity culminating with the great flood.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The development appears to have infuriated the center’s interim president, MAGA loyalist Richard Grenell.
    Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Trump’s blunt warnings have infuriated the country’s leaders, who have since doubled down on crushing the protests.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Her death sparked outrage across the country.
    Ryan Oehrli January 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Several Democrats in the state privately cautioned Walz against seeking reelection as outrage intensified in Minnesota and beyond over the misuse of funds.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Starting over with a new coach or general manager right now takes contender off the table, and judging by the support thrown behind the head coach, would enrage Burrow in the process.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Jensen’s father, David Jensen, was enraged by McIntyre’s not guilty plea.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • By contrast, Eugenia condemns herself to a future of festering tension and fury.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The Utah transfer’s long-range bucket sparked a fury of offensive firepower – the Bruins ended the second quarter on a 16-2 run to lead the Trojans (10-4, 2-1) by 15 points at halftime.
    Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The four-time NBA championship coach flew into a rage, aggressively gesturing at officials and screaming.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Over the years, wallpaper has been all the rage.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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