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ire

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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
Trading a whodunit for a slow-motion train wreck about an endearing criminal whose very, very bad decisions inspire the ire of a vicious biker gang and the titular task force, Task stars Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones and Silvia Dionicio. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 The back caught just two of his six targets, earned Nix’s slight ire after not turning back for the ball on a third down, and was relegated mostly to the bench in the second half. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025 Roberts at times has drawn the ire of fellow conservatives. Jan Wolfe, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 The incident drew the ire of both the Phillies and Marlins game broadcasts as well as social media. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But reacting with indignation has not been an option for Lee.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, sharp spending cuts have angered many, while corruption allegations against senior officials have dented his party’s odds ahead of next month’s vote, which could determine the future of Milei’s presidency.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Lawyers at Walsh Gallegos coordinated two releases of emails and other documents on behalf of the school board, but CNN reported how gaping holes remained, surprising and angering board members.
    Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Pols of all stripes knew how popular PBS and NPR were, and ultimately didn’t want to face the wrath of angry constituents wondering where Big Bird went.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Detroit Tigers took the entire Yankees pitching staff to school for the second game in a row on Wednesday, and Doval felt their wrath as much as anyone.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The lawsuit said that groundswell of support infuriated Bove, who was portrayed in one video as the Batman villain Bane, while Driscoll was depicted as Batman.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Anyone infuriated about the failure to adequately address climate change and the shortcomings in national emergency preparedness will find plenty here to stoke their anger.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The racially motivated attack, carried out by members of the Ku Klux Klan, intensified national outrage and was a catalyst for major civil rights advancements.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The company also cut coverage in many vulnerable parts of the state, sparking outrage when homeowners who had just faced a nonrenewal were then hit by the January wildfires around Los Angeles County.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Never mind that the Jets’ rookie coach, Aaron Glenn, had enraged him by cutting him loose.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And whether the Carolina Panthers are just stuck in an endless loop of embarrassment, one that alternately humiliates and enrages their fans.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fenerbahce reserve their primary fury for Galatasaray, but the feeling is pretty mutual.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • South Korea’s top diplomat then rushed to Washington to negotiate their release, while public fury swelled back home over what many see as a slap in the face from their longtime ally.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Like an amulet, or a bible, the immense and somehow lingering grief and rage flowing through it is with me everywhere.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The young man’s beauty, musical talents, and athletic prowess, however, belie volatile currents of desire and rage, which will eventually scandalize the community and unsettle Priscilla and Diamond’s faiths.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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