stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
Definition of sternnext
1
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
2
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

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 stern
Adjective
The story gets raucous laughter from his comrades, except for one person: Jeffrey Wright’s stern, humorless Isaac Dixon. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 May 2025 Kristen Doute is giving Jax Taylor a stern warning! —Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
Photo : Lagoon Yachts Lagoon 60 The new Lagoon 60’s aft cockpit bears a close resemblance to a power cat, with a large open stern, foldout transom, and facing lounges that run forward to the main cabin, which is defined by natural light, thanks to the glass. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025 There’s also one in the stern, which Paczkowski has revamped to seamlessly connect to the beach club, the aft platform, and the main deck. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
  1. strict
  2. gruff
  3. beam
  4. harsh
  5. fierce
  6. authoritarian
  7. grim
  8. tough
Adjective
  • No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.
    — Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 17 May 2025
Definition of gruff
Noun
  • Packed in between curved wooden beams, translucent honeyed yellow square panels filter the weak sunlight into a more inviting summer afternoon hue.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Let There Be Light – Students explored the properties of light: how a light bulb contains a rainbow of colors, what happens when a beam of laser light is trapped in water, and more.
    — Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
Definition of beam
Adjective
  • Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.
    — Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
  • Netflix released the trailer for the reality TV show on YouTube on Wednesday, which starts with a voice-over of a cheerleader talking about how the DCC will always be in each other’s lives before explaining the harsh reality of trying out to be a Cowboys cheerleader with all the talent.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The feedback was fierce—storyboards dismantled, ideas shredded—but the environment was psychologically safe.
    — Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Caron was used to seeing my fiery side, the fierce competitor, the demanding coach.
    — Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Panahi’s film, his first since being released from prison in 2023, is a direct assault on Iran’s authoritarian regime.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian heart.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • As Read walked to the bench with her legal team, Peggy O'Keefe, seated every day front and center, gave the defendant a grim look, video shows.
    — Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
  • After trading away star guard Luka Doncic for big man Anthony Davis, many saw Dallas as a team with a grim outlook for the future.
    — Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Every day, Russia gives new reasons for tougher sanctions and stronger support for our defense.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 3 June 2025
  • There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Definition of tough

Phrases Containing stern

Browse Nearby Words

sterlingness
stern
sternforemost
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Cite this Entry

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stern

Nglish: Translation of stern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stern

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