AUSTERE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir

Definition of austere next

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The Evolution Of Office Design Modern offices are moving away from traditional, austere designs toward more relaxed, home-like environments. —

Dan Drogman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Facing upwards of a $1 billion shortfall, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is proposing an austere budget plan for the next fiscal year that includes widespread spending cuts across state government. —

John Frank, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Even the room feels a little bit rich, with dark walls, glossy wood panelling, and an austere display of sake bottles against the back of the sushi bar. —

Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 In the summer, revel in the bounty of flowers and a range of colors, but when the cold weather sets in, don’t be afraid to let your home reflect the austere beauty of winter. —

Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere

Adjective

One example of such concessions that China can make would be promising stricter oversight on fentanyl trades, Scissors added.

Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Either way, stricter regulations likely won’t be in place to impact this winter season, and despite the unease expressed by locals, mass tourism to Rovaniemi is probably only going to grow in 2025 — as visitors want to experience the unique atmosphere up north, especially during the holiday season.

CNN, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024