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 stern warning underscores Tehran's resolve to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and to resist transits that bypass its authorization. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 June 2026 This flagship superyacht boasts expansive outdoor areas, including a large stern platform with a pool and an innovative bow design, emphasizing connection to water and privacy. — Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Noun

Outdoor space is ample on Decks 7 and 8, with viewing platforms in front of the bridge and at the stern of the ship on Deck 6. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026 Bubba Wallace giving young Carson Hocevar a stern talking to? — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern

Adjective

Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Not a whole lot, admittedly, since there was reportedly a strict no-phone policy for guests (as well as event staff and security).

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026

Definition of gruff

Noun

Also present in the wood panelling inside the wall is a hand sticking out of a beam.

— Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 July 2026
In the evening, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will draw thousands of eyes upward as 85,000 shells are launched from six barges and a laser show beams up from the Brooklyn Bridge.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of beam

Adjective

White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.

— Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

If Boltanski’s work recalls Saarland’s grim past, Regenera, by another French artist, Benjamin Duquenne, points toward a hopeful future.

— Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
White detailed a bizarre, almost miraculous weather event that saved the outdoor fight night just as things looked grim.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of grim

Adjective

MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.

— Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of tough

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“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster

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perfunctory

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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