Synonyms of stern

stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn 

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

• strict
• harsh
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigid
• rigorous
• severe
• gruff
• relentless
• hard
• merciless
• hardened
• austere
• flinty
• steadfast
• ramrod
• demanding
• heavy-handed
• unbending
• adamant
• implacable
• pitiless
• uncompromising
• stiff
• exacting
• unforgiving
• dour
• unyielding
• unrelenting
• bullying
• callous
• inflexible
• unsparing
• hard-line
• ascetic
• immovable
• determined
• uncharitable
• unflinching
• adamantine
• obstinate
• monkish
• monastic
• ossified
• hard-hearted
• rock-ribbed
• dogged
• firm
• resolved
• intractable
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• lenient
• lax
• tolerant
• indulgent
• easy
• forbearing
• mild
• easygoing
• patient
• soft
• kind
• merciful
• charitable
• undemanding
• clement
• accepting
• responsive
• willing
• yielding
• laid-back
• softhearted
• flexible
• compliant
• agreeable
• complaisant
• amenable
• pliant
• acquiescent
• pliable
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• fierce
• grim
• intimidating
• rugged
• hostile
• severe
• forbidding
• bleak
• rough
• dour
• stark
• steely
• lowering
• austere
• hardened
• flinty
• ungentle
• stubborn
• solemn
• somber
• cold
• dark
• resolute
• rigid
• black
• steadfast
• stiff
• unflinching
• unbending
• determined
• moody
• adamant
• implacable
• obstinate
• uncompromising
• unsympathetic
• unfriendly
• bound
• unrelenting
• unyielding
• purposeful
• serious
• inhospitable
• firm
• inimical
• obdurate
• willful
• inflexible
• intent
• sullen
• fixed
• resolved
• sulky
• unsmiling
• immovable
• hardheaded
• humorless
• surly
• melancholy
• morose
• unchangeable
• cheerless
• immutable
• gloomy
• joyless
• hard
• melancholic
• mulish
• grave
• brooding
• glum
• staid
• sober
• set
• weighty
• self-willed
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• mild
• benign
• soft
• tender
• meek
• benignant
• mellow
• quiet
• easy
• bland
• soothing
• sweet
• cheerful
• pleasant
• tranquil
• bright
• agreeable
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• happy
• inviting
• merry
• glad
• sunny
• playful
• lighthearted
• mirthful
• silly
• goofy
• frivolous
• giddy
• flighty
• scatterbrained
• harebrained
• featherbrained
• light-headed

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Related Words

• beam
• rear
• haunches
• posterior
• backside
• tail
• cheeks
• butt
• rump
• seat
• behind
• rear end
• tail end
• breech
• bum
• fanny
• caboose
• buttocks
• fundament
• duff
• nates
• booty
• buns
• hams
• tush
• hunkers
• heinie
• bottom
• derriere
• keister
• moon
• can

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

Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

At the press conference, Rutte issued a stern warning to young Russians considering taking advantage of generous bonuses for military recruits. —Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026

This series isn't quite as stern and serious as Mulder and Scully's adventures, though. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 June 2026

Noun

The new 82-footer is not only the largest model in the Italian yard’s popular Fly series, but also the first of the flybridge motor yachts to feature Azimut’s trademark Deck2Deck terrace, resulting in a large alfresco entertaining space at the stern. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026

In the Titanic’s final minutes, its stern rose out of the water, and the ship broke apart. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern