as in indignation
an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something
the patronizing comment from the snooty waiter roused her ire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to anger
to make angry
nothing ires him more than having to wait for his dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 ire
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026
If critics truly despise the 365-foot, 210-unit Live Local project, their ire is pointed at the wrong dais.
—Keith Poliakoff, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2026
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Apr. 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
Noun
His defense wasn’t what was advertised to fans, who started making Bridges the subject of their ire as the team with championship aspirations got out to an 11-8 start.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026
If critics truly despise the 365-foot, 210-unit Live Local project, their ire is pointed at the wrong dais.
—Keith Poliakoff, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2026
Verb
The plan has drawn disapproval from members of the public and ire from architectural and conservation groups, one of which sued to block it back in December.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Apr. 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
-
Others use their out-of-office emails to either apologize profusely for time away or highlight their indignation at being tied to work or the internet in the first place.—
Isabel Fattal,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
-
My earliest World Cup memory—a six-year-old’s spiral of indignation and despair—is of Diego Maradona’s dastardly Hand of God, which eliminated England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 edition, in Mexico.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he’s gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that’s hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged.—
Aamer Madhani,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
-
The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he's gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that's hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Our politicians didn’t have the courage to do that, fearing the wrath of Bears fans.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
-
After a short setup on Eternia, He-Man and his buddies escape the wrath of Skeletor by using the key to visit Earth.—
Jeffrey Ressner,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
While most of the familiar multi-variety white cuvées are traditional blend styles from regions like Rhône Valley, Rioja, Tuscany, or Bordeaux, a handful around the globe—and especially from the New World—combine varieties that would infuriate traditionalists.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
7 June 2026
-
The decision to send in state troopers – some on horseback – infuriated many protesters while drawing praise from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.—
Leigh Waldman,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Soon after, Joslin posted on social media expressing outrage, and the story gained traction online.—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
The 2023 property tax valuation cycle — and to a lesser extent, the 2024 and 2025 cycles — have been the subject of widespread outrage in Jackson County, with skyrocketing property values alarming homeowners and business owners alike.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
While the sticker shock of what is typically a $13 trip enraged the masses—the price was initially announced at $150 in April, before it got knocked down to 98 bucks in the face of public backlash—some observers, particularly those from Europe, scoffed at all the outrage.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
11 June 2026
-
His wealth explosion has inspired his devotees, exhilarated his investors, vexed the skeptical and enraged those calling for higher taxes on the ultra-rich.—
Chase Peterson-Withorn,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Before the agreement was announced, Israeli forces struck in Beirut, enraging Trump, who has publicly expressed his fury with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Yet for those who have watched the events of recent years with grief and fury, cheering on a team that represents the Islamic Republic feels, to some, like an act of complicity.—
Shirvin Zeinalzadeh,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Still social media rage is still engagement of sorts, and the company no doubt raised awareness of its 20th anniversary.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
-
Jackie's soon-to-be mother-in-law channels all her resentment and rage into breaking up her son's engagement by becoming an absolute terror.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
