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

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

Related 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 new trailer for Paper Tiger transfers this dynamic onto the scene of a rehabilitation project for New York City’s Gowanus Canal, resulting in far graver consequences than a stern talking-to from mom. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 Safety researchers have resigned from major companies and issued stern warnings that the advanced technology could pose a risk to the human race, and politicians from across the political spectrum have called for action. — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

The Roamer was still afloat, with three or four feet of her prow showing above water, her cabin awash and her stern out of sight. — James D. Oxley, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026 That episode inspires a Gospel story where Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a furious storm. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern

Adjective

Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
But the country also has strict rules governing how minors should be treated during a criminal investigation.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruff

Noun

By changing its flight attitude, the platform could redirect the radar beam toward different sectors without depending entirely on a mechanically rotating antenna.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
In work that would delight any Star Wars fan, scientists have now created an antenna from a plasma beam.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of beam

Adjective

Projects that communities had originally welcomed were suddenly met with fierce opposition, and companies had to improve.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
What is to come afterwards is when their world is on fire as the fierce Battle Of Okinawa Island takes them , and us, back to sad reality.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

The case centers on the Cuban government shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue flights, a civilian rescue group dedicated to saving refugees fleeing the authoritarian Castro regime — then run by Raul Castro’s older brother Fidel.

— Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
The former authoritarian president is eyeing a return as prime minister after the Sunday vote.

— Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

The discovery raises the possibility of a grim outcome in the search for the four men, which has led to El Salvador deploying 450 special forces soldiers to Haiti as of Friday to aid the gang-fighting force in the search.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The arc of Bradley Whitford’s career makes for a grim report card on the state of the country.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of grim

Adjective

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Thermal equilibrium might sound like a tough concept, but hundreds of systems reach them around us on a daily basis.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

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“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stern

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noun

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Synonyms of stern

adjective

noun

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Phrases Containing stern

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More from Merriam-Webster on stern

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