Here are some synonyms for dire:
* Urgent
* Critical
* Desperate
* Grave
* Serious
* Awful
* Frightful
* Terrible
Here are some examples of how "dire" is used:
* "The situation is dire; we need to act now or face disastrous consequences."
* "The doctor warned of the dire consequences of neglecting her health."
* "They faced dire poverty and hunger after losing their jobs."
It's important to note that "dire" is a strong word and should be used sparingly. Overuse can make your writing seem dramatic or exaggerated.