IRE Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ire 1 of 2

noun

ˈī(-ə)r

Definition of ire next

as in indignation

an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something the patronizing comment from the snooty waiter roused her ire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ire

2 of 2

verb

as in to anger

to make angry nothing ires him more than having to wait for his dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

The owner of UnitedHealthcare reported record full-year revenue but lower profits for 2024, just weeks after the brazen killing of a top executive inflamed the national ire against insurance companies. —

Nathan Bomey, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, have been prominent targets of Trump ire over the years. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025 But unlike New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was spared Homan’s ire after backing a plan to focus on deporting violent immigrants in the country without legal status, Johnson’s political brand hinges on leftist bona fides that position him as a progressive foil to Trump. —

Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 The drama between Davis and Crawford began when Crawford seemingly reacted to Davis expressing his ire over not receiving an invitation to The Ring Awards, an event celebrating the best moments in boxing over the past year, on social media. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ire

Noun

Not only was Allen a known conservative, but his series spoke to the same sense of righteous indignation felt by the MAGA clan.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2025
This seemingly small, personal decision triggers absolute indignation in her husband, parents, and siblings.

— Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025