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as in spartan
providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective austere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is ascetic a more appropriate choice than austere?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When is it sensible to use severe instead of austere?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could stern be used to replace austere?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

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 austere After studying art in London, Auerbach painted city scenes (mostly bomb damage and building sites) and austere portraits, which evoke the anxiety and horror of the mid-century. The Week Uk, theweek, 29 Dec. 2024 The unit can engage in operations such as strike, air and missile defense, as well as naval surface warfare in austere, temporary locations ashore within contested maritime spaces. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 Art: Greco Deco The upscale upstate hotel has come to be a blandly, luxuriously uniform thing — interchangeable linens, light fixtures, and décor; an austere early American aesthetic with a dash of Scandinavian minimalism. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024 The garment’s austere black and silver palette projects a demure yet powerful mix of luxury and restraint. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austere 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
  • His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Ask what one thing matters most, hide your phone away, take everything outside, create strict boundaries, and make health your edge.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The track resonates with Belinda’s crystalline vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and spirited trumpet interplays, while Tito’s distinctively gruff delivery adds grit to their musical escapade.
    Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Resolved to continue on her trip for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a perilous situation, and is forced to lean on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff recluse who lives on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, if the Dodgers transition from the team that was unable to win it in a 162-game regular season to a dynasty similar to the Yankees dynasty, then the complaints of harsher regulations against the Dodgers may be warranted.
    Tyler Small, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Avoid harsh or irritating products such as hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) or retinoids.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to the air pollution caused in large part by fossil fuels, 7 million people around the world die early each year, and that grim tally includes hundreds of thousands of Americans.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • What remains unchanged, though, is the grim reality that in healthcare, poorer care still often translates to higher revenue.
    Renee Hsia, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Organize your ideas with the timeless power of the triad—three points are simple, memorable, and impactful.
    Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • As long as a biopsy is done and it’s recognized early, there’s a very high chance of cure with very simple and minimally invasive procedures.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bridges finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field against his old team, and Anunoby scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field to go with tough defense on Johnson, who shot an abysmal 6-of-20 from the field for 16 points.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Whether you’re drawn to stories of resilience, advocacy, or how laughter and love can help us through life’s toughest moments, this film will leave you inspired and hopeful.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be surprised if you get pulled over for driving with snow and ice on your roof and are given a stern warning.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Commenting on the matter via Movistar, Madrid legend and respected pundit Jorge Valdano suggested that Vinicius needs to be taken to one side and given some stern advice.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Schwab survey portrays a stark contrast between younger and older Americans over when, exactly, to pass on wealth to the next generation.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Hezbollah, formerly Lebanon’s dominant political and military force, has suffered a stark reversal of fortunes since the 2023 attacks.
    Erika Solomon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near austere

Cite this Entry

“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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