1
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
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2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
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3
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
Originally attributed to Pieter Pourbus, a Flemish Renaissance artist who worked in Bruges during the 16th century, the painting depicts an austere man and his young daughter in matching ruffs.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
The film makes more than a token effort to explore the material and psychological realities of life under fascist rule, and the transformation of a charming agrarian utopia into an austere military dictatorship.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
For generations, Californians believed that mountains would save them, that wildfires would not burn over the Sierra Nevada’s austere granite peaks.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
The film makes more than a token effort to explore the material and psychological realities of life under fascist rule, and the transformation of a charming agrarian utopia into an austere military dictatorship.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
For generations, Californians believed that mountains would save them, that wildfires would not burn over the Sierra Nevada’s austere granite peaks.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
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So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.—
Erica Sweeney,
SELF,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This was the puzzle: The Torch and the Treasure A Bridge Puzzle of Strategy, Speed... and Stolen Gold Five daring fantasy thieves—a nimble Elf, a sneaky Goblin, a fleet-footed Satyr, a gruff Dwarf, and a hulking Troll—have just pulled off the heist of the century.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Could this gruff old man playing mahjong in a nondescript hall be a curious gambler on the last boat up the Mekong, laughing in the face of Edward’s existential crisis?—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In April, 2004, Phish played a series of exceptionally grim shows in Las Vegas.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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And then, as if he’s already relived the moment in question and arrived at the same, grim decision, Joel’s expression hardens.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?—
Myisha Battle,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
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Its second life on streaming has guided new viewers to the simple charms of one of the best mystery shows of all time.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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On the other side, the Grizzlies had an even tougher time with Curry, who finished with 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Ars Technica: One of the most visually arresting images from James Cameron's blockbuster film Titanic was the ship's stern sticking straight up out of the water after breaking apart from the bow.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
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Leeds also drive some of the sternest vitriol along opponents’ terraces.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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What the characters can or cannot do in response, and the catharsis they’re prevented from attaining, are both key parts of their story, and of life in the West Bank at large — a reality Nabulsi conveys in stark, realistic hues, despite her first-feature growing pains.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Although the hairstyle also featured her usual honey blonde color, the contemporary styling felt like a stark contrast to her more sophisticated Glinda looks.—
Kleigh Balugo,
StyleCaster,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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