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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

Made of stern stuff, granite is highly durable and resistant to heat. —

Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024 This week, Netanyahu’s defense and internal security ministers received an unusually stern letter from the U.S. government threatening to review military assistance if the Israeli government continued to block essential aid from entering the Gaza Strip. —

David Hodari, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024

Noun

Marigolds line the gunwale of the boat with a pink and blue Sugar Skull painted on the stern. —

Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 15 Aug. 2024 The one in the stern can hold Jet Skis and a rescue tender, while the one in the forward cockpit can store a 20-foot tender and other water toys. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern

Adjective

About half of states have laws targeting transgender health care, but Tennessee’s is among the strictest.

Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Nov. 2024
Many welcome Trump’s more strict immigration policy.

Kristen Taketa, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024