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3
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
an abused wife who was hopelessly stuck in a mire of emotional dependency
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to stain
to make dirty
the sight of the standard, which had emerged from the battle mangled and mired, still stirred the soldiers' hearts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mire
The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Narratively, The Handmaid’s Tale was so deep in the Trumpian mire that even when Trump decisively lost the 2020 election, there was no opportunity to imagine or reflect any resumption of liberty tied to a Biden presidency.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
In many ways, Spoelstra’s words come off as all too familiar to just over a year ago, when the Heat were mired in a 10-game losing streak after the NBA trade deadline that ultimately led to a 10th-place finish and third consecutive play-in berth.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mire
Noun
Luckily Vitor and a kinder run of fixtures pulled us out of the mire, along with a couple of astute signings.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Narratively, The Handmaid’s Tale was so deep in the Trumpian mire that even when Trump decisively lost the 2020 election, there was no opportunity to imagine or reflect any resumption of liberty tied to a Biden presidency.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Some facts could begin to emerge around a situation that was mired in assumptions or unknown elements.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
In many ways, Spoelstra’s words come off as all too familiar to just over a year ago, when the Heat were mired in a 10-game losing streak after the NBA trade deadline that ultimately led to a 10th-place finish and third consecutive play-in berth.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mire
Noun
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But scientists say the water is causing erosion along coastal bluffs, especially in the Torrey Pines area, raising the risk of rock and mud slides.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Mineral-rich mud pools, thermal baths, and sulfur springs are reminders of the island's volcanic origins.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That approach allowed researchers not only to reconstruct how Doñana's marsh has evolved over time but also to project its future under different climate scenarios.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Gatorland features hundreds of reptiles, as well as other animals, plus gator wrestling, a zip-line course that travels over the breeding marsh, an off-road attraction, old Florida charm and an iconic entrance that encourages visitors to walk through oversized alligator jaws.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The signal predicament of our era is the global rise of illiberalism and intolerance.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
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Here, the joyous and the boisterous contrast the dark and insidious, allowing viewers to both be delighted by colorful street scenes and celebrations while the rot of fear creeps in, as the details surrounding our main character (Wagner Moura) and his predicament are revealed.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Novel staining technique Zankowski’s team used traceable silver and bromine markers to tag cellulose- and latex-derived binders in anodes.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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To Protect Materials The dishwater's scalding water can stain or dull aluminum cookware.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pressure has been mounting on Australia, the US, the UK and other countries to repatriate thousands of citizens, most of them women and children, who have been trapped in detention camps in Syria since the fall of the Caliphate more than five years ago.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Unlike some twill weave sheets that may trap heat, these are made with bamboo-viscose, a naturally cooling fabric.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Asian swamp eels threaten wading birds.—
Sofia Baltodano,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
-
An observation platform at the end overlooks a swamp.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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To flavor this dish, use the classic potato salad ingredients, including yellow mustard, pickle relish, and hot sauce.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
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Those interested in home cooking may want to sign up for learning The Art of Pickling with Chef Lex at Haberdish, a $47 class including lite bites for snacking, two 32-ounce glass jars of custom pickles and take-home recipe cards.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whether shoveling your driveway, building a snow man with the kids, or just generally mucking around in the cold, sleet and snow, Muck Boots will keep you comfortable and protected.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Siniaková, the No. 1 doubles player in the world, started to muck things up, and Anisimova’s serve began to stray.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mire. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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