2. (adj)awful, dire, direful, dread(a), dreaded, dreadful, fearful, fearsome, frightening, horrendous, horrific, terrible causing fear or dread or terror Antonyms: noncrucial, noncritical, unalarming
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Antonyms of 'dire'
English Synonyms and Antonyms
1. dire Awful should not be used of things which are merely disagreeable or annoying, nor of all that are alarming and terrible, but only of such as bring a solemn awe upon the soul, as in the presence Synonyms: awful, alarming, direful, frightful, majestic, solemn, appalling, dread, grand, noble, stately, august, dreadful, horrible, portentous, terrible, dire, fearful, imposing, shocking, terrific Antonyms: base, contemptible, inferior, paltry, beggarly, despicable, lowly, undignified, commonplace, humble, mean, vulgar
Synonyms for dire 
