direful

adjective

ˈdī(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce direful (audio)
Definition of direfulnext
1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come the stock market crash was the first direful indication of the dark days to come

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear heard the direful howling of the wolves during the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for direful
  1. ominous
  2. terrifying
  3. sinister
  4. formidable
  5. menacing
  6. horrible
  7. terrible
  8. frightening
Adjective
  • Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Synopsis reads: Young Annie (Madison Wolfe) is targeted by an ominous white van that stalks her every move.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Winters — who was so terrifying in Heroes of the Fourth Turning and who revealed a messy vulnerability behind Kerry Castellabate’s hard bangs and structured suits on Succession — is a pro at tough, slick surfaces with tangles of insecurity underneath.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Perusing the store’s shelves, there’s the usual lineup of Route 66 merch alongside a host of shirts bearing new and terrifying puns.
    Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Specifically, Bill becomes increasingly aware of young girls being held and abused by the nuns of his convent, led by a sinister mother superior, Sister Mary (played with dark-eyed, cold-hearted terror by Emily Watson).
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Elliot Page translates vitality and promise as the young teen, while a blood-freezing Catherine Keener is the sinister embodiment of resentment and cruelty.
    Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • While Malloy's candidacy represents a clear challenge to Sanders' decades-long dominance in Vermont politics, the senator's enduring popularity and political influence remain formidable.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Its formidable Second Fleet would protect sea routes, support the continent’s major naval powers, and continue to provide extended deterrence—satiating Europeans who are afraid of abandonment at a time of Russian revanchism.
    Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Herbert was sacked six times in the first half, including three by the Browns’ menacing Myles Garrett.
    Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The menacing slugger Giancarlo Stanton was retired on a single pitch.
    Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Definition of menacing
Adjective
  • Give Back To Maui After the horrible 2023 wildfires in Maui, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua reopened on October 8, 2023, and it’s been going strong and welcoming guests with open arms since then.
    Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • This is also a great matchup against a horrible Jaguars passing defense.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Meanwhile Kelly Oubre, who was terrible with the Warriors, has found success with Philadelphia.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Elsbeth and Kaya are suspicious of Roselyn, even after Valentina’s quick assessment — supported by the medical examiner — that Claude’s death was a terrible accident.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • For example, people often dodge screenings and diagnostic tests to avoid the frightening possibility of discovering cancer.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Demi Moore is sharing scary photos of a frightening side of her character in the body horror movie The Substance.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Definition of frightening
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near direful

direct taxes

direful

dirge

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Cite this Entry

“Direful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direful. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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