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
But as mayor, Mamdani has flip-flopped on the issue, now arguing the increasingly costly voucher program is not financially feasible given the city’s dire financial situation.
—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
While the current situation is dire, a study in Nature this week reports a compelling discovery that not only points to a potentially new antibiotic regimen, but also an entirely new strategy to once again get ahead in the microbial arms race.
—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
Stearns oversees the operation, and the diagnosis on the Mets is dire.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
The scale of destruction has prompted increasingly dire assessments from international experts.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
While the current situation is dire, a study in Nature this week reports a compelling discovery that not only points to a potentially new antibiotic regimen, but also an entirely new strategy to once again get ahead in the microbial arms race.
—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
Stearns oversees the operation, and the diagnosis on the Mets is dire.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
The scale of destruction has prompted increasingly dire assessments from international experts.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dire
Adjective
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The movie is an apex of film noir, filled with dark shadows, moody lighting and ominous swaying palm trees.
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
Adjective
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That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Adjective
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In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.
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The industry conversation around funding reform is urgent precisely because this generation deserves a system that matches their ambition and offers them a future.
Adjective
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Houssem Aouar finally spied a gap in the Austrian defence and sent Mahrez through to score, sparking jubilation before Sasa Kalajdzic’s header confirmed a ridiculous ending to a game that was dramatic, bleak and then dramatic again.
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Kehoe pointed to the state’s bleak finances in a statement explaining his cuts on Tuesday.
Adjective
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Because everyone will have access to the same information, AI will accentuate the value of personal connections, again promoting lineages and networks that at their most extreme may appear to be sinister establishment conspiracies.
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Soon, Pinocchio – under the influence of a sinister Cricket (Robert Englund) — goes on a killing rampage to free James from everyone evil around him, and becoming a real boy in the process — one piece at a time.
Adjective
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England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.
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However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.
Adjective
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The Irkutsk region, home to a Rosneft oil refinery, has experienced acute shortages for several days, with lines growing, Kharitonenko said.
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Extensive evidence suggests that treating acute psychiatric conditions in an ED setting yields poor clinical outcomes.
Adjective
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What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
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After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.
Cite this Entry
“Dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dire. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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