ire 1 of 2

Definition of irenext

ire

2 of 2

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
But in Duke’s case, the ire the program elicited was part of a larger cultural polarization. Brendan Marks, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Griffin claimed over the years in her stand-up act that she was repeatedly banned and later un-banned from appearing on the talk show over drawing Walters' ire. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 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
  • The video went viral, encapsulating the prevalent mood of indignation about official nonaction.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • He was deservedly sent off after a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi, before grabbing the referee’s arm and tossing it to the side in indignation.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The mayor floated the idea to place Williams on probation for six months, angering the city manager’s supporters in the crowd.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • All the spending on the national events angers one supervisor at a Florida airport.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • But some have faced pushback, including when two Boise men faced the wrath of their homeowners association for replacing their grass with turf, in part to save water.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
  • Or, faced with the wrath of the huge Baby Boom generation — who tend to be voters and vociferous — will Congress act in time?
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week.
    Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026
  • The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Hard fouls are routinely minimized, and meaningful discipline often arrives only after public outrage forces the league's hand.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
    Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite his concessions to the SSPX, Francis enraged many Catholic traditionalists by reversing Benedict's relaxation on celebrating the old Latin Mass for the broader Catholic Church.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • The story enraged campus and district officials and played a role in Stapleton’s ousting, despite a later retraction.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Following fury from the English and Mexican Football Associations, FIFA may have to backtrack on its apparent plan to move the time of the England-Mexico game.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Still, if someone argued otherwise, Smith and his ilk would rage in fury.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • He’s been known to blow up legislation, make surprise nominations, rage-post about sitting Republican lawmakers and retaliate by endorsing their primary opponents.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Maybe that's why, in a moment when the country feels eggshell brittle, riding has become such an essential outlet for me—a way to turn my rage into forward motion.
    Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ire. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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