STERN Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stern' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic , austere , and severe . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

Q: Where would 'ascetic' be a reasonable alternative to 'stern'?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When can 'austere' be used instead of 'stern'?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, 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 'severe' a more appropriate choice than 'stern'?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn

Definition of stern next

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, 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 severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan has issued a stern warning to migrants illegally entering the U.S. in the final days of the Biden administration. —

Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2025 At these meetings, Dev’s grandfather would give the group an overview of the mistakes made that week, followed by a stern pronouncement that such mistakes ought not to be repeated. —

Kanak Kapur, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025

Noun

Details are limited but it has been reported that Dragonfly is equipped with a custom double-folding platform system at the stern that allows the deck above to fold into the platform, creating a spacious and versatile beach club area with direct access to the water. —

Bill Springer, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 But not for the Floating Instrument Platform, or R/P FLIP, which sinks its stern and tips 90° to become a vertical platform for ocean research. —

Bysean Cummings, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern

Adjective

This story incorporates reporting from KNOE, The Sun, ABC Columbia and Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati. Spirit Airlines has revised its policies to enforce a stricter dress code for passengers.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
On a recent episode of Table Manners With Jessie and Lennie Ware, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled his strict daily schedule.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025