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Definitions

dire

[dahyuhr] / daɪər /
ADJECTIVE
urgent; crucial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acute critical desperate drastic extreme
WEAK
burning clamant clamorous climacteric crying exigent immoderate imperative importunate instant pressing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm mild unimportant
WEAK
fortunate good lucky nice trivial
ADJECTIVE
terrible, ominous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarming appalling awful calamitous cataclysmic catastrophic depressing disastrous dismal distressing dreadful gloomy grim horrible lamentable shocking ugly unfortunate
WEAK
afflictive black cruel deplorable fearful fierce frightful grievous heartbreaking horrid oppressing portentous redoubtable regrettable ruinous scowling terrific woeful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blessed bright cheerful cheering comforting encouraging fortunate good happy hopeful joyful light lucky pleasant pleasing sunny wonderful
WEAK
nice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To be sure, recent economic data have not been so dire.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

It’s happening at the same time as what the company’s CEO described as “the most dire housing market in decades.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“It’s really hard. Fundraising is dire right now for folks doing the work we do.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The two Aston Martins brought up the tail of the field on a weekend on which engine partner Honda want to show improvement on its home track after a dire start to the season.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

As John listened, the situation became more dire.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.