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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
Trump turns ire to Obama: As he’s being hit with questions over his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, Trump has ramped up accusations against the former president, including accusing Obama of treason, without providing evidence. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 July 2025 Retribution Campaign: After focusing his second-term ire on other individuals and institutions, President Trump is again seeking prosecution of his most prominent rivals — this time with aides more inclined to carry out his wishes. Mara Hvistendahl, New York Times, 23 July 2025 What Trump didn't mention in his post, but may be another reason for his ire against Massie, is that the Kentucky congressman, 54, is one of the most vocal Republicans calling for the release of the Epstein files. Meredith Kile, People.com, 22 July 2025 Asked about prospective ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Shaheen's ire seemed to turn towards the Hamas negotiators abroad, who are in talks with Israel. Guy Davies, ABC News, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire
Noun
  • That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In a matter of minutes seven women were united in indignation.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
  • Bondi has become a target for Trump’s supporters angered by the DOJ’s decision not to release the files, with some calling for her ouster.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Anyone who dared challenge the prevailing narrative faced the wrath of a ravenous cancel culture.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • That patience has only earned Powell the president’s wrath.
    Paolo Confino, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • The memo infuriated Kelly and other high-profile members of Trump's coalition, who for years have peddled conspiracy theories claiming Epstein was murdered and that the government covered up an extensive list of wealthy politicians and businesspeople who were involved with Epstein.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • The increases are infuriating residents, and sending lawmakers scrambling for solutions.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • After a two-year spike during the pandemic and national outrage over police accountability, Chicago began to see a decline in homicides in 2022.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's demand for nearly 10 times that -- along with the threats that the U.S. might pull its troops from the country -- has previously drawn widespread outrage in the country, spurring calls by some for the development of South Korea's own nuclear arsenal.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • This conclusion satisfies some of the victims’ families while enraging others.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Israel has shown Iran the extent of its intelligence penetration into the country and cannot, at least for the foreseeable future, continue its war without enraging Trump.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The catastrophic deluge laid waste to communities across Kerr and Kendall counties, where neighborhoods and RV parks, as well as the 18 or so youth camps attended by thousands of kids each summer, were swept away in its fury.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • The Kremlin’s fury at these exclusion zones erupted two years ago, on the eve of another BRICS summit, this time in South Africa, Dickinson says.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Tommy Jeans Cotton Linen Blend Shorts Shorts with longer inseams are all the rage this summer, so this breathable pair with an elastic waistband will be perfectly on-trend for all your upcoming travels.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • Ironically, Garcia channeled the rage into results.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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