Synonyms for
Dire
Definition
extremely serious or urgent; causing great fear or suffering
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- dire straits
- dire consequences
- dire need
- dire warning
- dire situation
- dire poverty
- dire circumstances
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe situations or consequences that are extremely serious or urgent. It carries a strong negative connotation.
Example sentences
- The dire situation made everyone feel scared.
- The storm caused dire damage to the house.
- The doctor gave the patient a dire warning about their health.
- The dire need for food and water was felt by the people in the drought-stricken area.
- The dire consequences of the mistake were clear to everyone.
Quotes
'It is the direst madness to bearest reasonable for a heady steam which drives thee to certain destruction.' - William Shakespeare
'The direst curse that can ever afflict a people is stagnation, a ban on movement and thought.' - Wole Soyinka
'The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being.' - Emma Goldman