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

Relevance

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

Not least, for Celtic’s U.S. duo, a stern test at Villa Park next week that should reveal much about ability and resilience, then a Champions League knockout round. —

Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 Many in government won’t want to face stern judgments from an independent outsider. —

U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Noun

From a reading delivered in November in Richmond, Virginia. e began to figure it out on day eleven or twelve of the seven-day trip, the slate and obsidian waves rolling under our stern, the crispy hoarfrost of whitecap foam seeding in our beards, the wind spitting ice in our eyes. —

Mark Richard, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Most vulnerable were boats that faced aft, with their sterns exposed to the surge, Gere said. —

Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern

Adjective

The state, through the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), mandates that health care facilities meet strict seismic safety standards.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Congress can revise eligibility for welfare benefits and impose stricter time limits, alleviating the cost to taxpayers and reducing incentives to enter the country illegally.

— Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2025