1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a dire forecast of a plunge in stock prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
a series of dire tremors that hinted at a huge volcanic eruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
a dire need for food and medicine in the famine-stricken country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
with stock prices steadily falling, these are dire days on the trading floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dire
Getting the facts straight in dire situations such as this is crucial.
—
Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Exposure to dire humanitarian situation But what happens when people expressing skepticism over the level of suffering in Gaza are presented with credible information?
—Carlo Koos, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Highlighting the dire situation of the survivors of the war in Gaza, especially children, Al-Farra pleaded for immediate aid coming into the strip.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Much of the international criticism has centered on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a direct consequence of the two-month Israeli blockade that barred food, medicine and other essential relief from entering.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Exposure to dire humanitarian situation But what happens when people expressing skepticism over the level of suffering in Gaza are presented with credible information?
—Carlo Koos, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Highlighting the dire situation of the survivors of the war in Gaza, especially children, Al-Farra pleaded for immediate aid coming into the strip.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Much of the international criticism has centered on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a direct consequence of the two-month Israeli blockade that barred food, medicine and other essential relief from entering.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
Punched in the face That could explain the chain saw-wielding, the jumping up and down onstage, the manic baby-making and crusading for more spreading of sperm by smart people and the ominous Nazi-style salutes.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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May has been equally terrifying for Ukrainian civilians.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
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As the mysterious contract killer Vincent, Cruise brings his usual on-screen qualities — strict professionalism, precise physicality, ruthless persistence — but turns them on their head to embody a terrifying, amoral murderer.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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In his urgent nonfiction debut, the writer—who was born in Cairo, grew up in Doha, moved to Canada, and now lives in rural Oregon—wrestles with his disillusionment with the West and its institutions, particularly given the indifference he’s observed in so many as the war rages on.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
6 June 2025
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The appeals court said there is no urgent need for DOGE to access Social Security records in the interim.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, others who attended this year’s California Democratic Party Convention dismissed any notion that the future of the Democratic Party is bleak.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
31 May 2025
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The early options on the GOP side are bleak: Neither Donalds nor Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife who’s said to be interested in succeeding him, is the moderate Florida so desperately needs now.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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By the end of the season, President George W. Bush arrives at the family’s doorstep, masquerading as Rumi’s friend while barely concealing his sinister intentions.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
2 June 2025
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Without giving away any spoilers, Andy turns out to be right about Laura, who has a sinister plot in store.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Everything points to the fact that Karolína’s exceptional talent has caught the attention of the formidable and much admired choirmaster.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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Sinha’s strategic interventions have substantially scaled up businesses, powering a formidable sales pipeline by assisting the company in landing enterprise-level engagements.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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Timeline Expectations: The Long Road of Grief Normal grief timeline: Most young adults begin to experience some relief from acute grief symptoms within 6-12 months, though grief waves can continue for years.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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All that matters is whether Dance Mom, a character designed in a lab to be a depressing punchline, pulls in just enough of the always-online demo to boost their numbers among younger viewers.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
30 May 2025
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Music was a way to showcase something that wasn’t depressing.—
Ramin Setoodeh,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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