stern

adjective

ˈstərn 

1

a

: having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere

b

: expressive of severe displeasure : harsh

The judge gave them a stern warning.

2

: forbidding or gloomy in appearance

a stern expression

3

: inexorable

stern necessity

4

: sturdy, stout

a stern resolve

sternly adverb

sternness

ˈstərn-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of stern

• strict
• harsh
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigid
• rigorous
• severe

Choose the Right Synonym for stern

severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint.

severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

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

ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

Examples of stern in a Sentence

He gave me a stern look.

the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Recent Examples on the Web

Firth is chilling, pushing his stern, fiercely intelligent demeanor in increasingly sinister directions and bringing nuance and gravity to the lengths Scanlon will go to fulfill his mandate, whatever the cost. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026

These adults are headed by Kevin Earley, who early on makes for a starchy rather than stern Captain. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026

Tenders onboard will reside in the stern garage, which can hold vessels up to 23 feet. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 June 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern
• stern chase
• stern chaser
• stern sheets
• stern-wheeler

Rhymes for stern

• berne
• burn
• churn
• dern
• earn
• erne
• fern
• hern
• hirn
• learn
• quern
• spurn

Kids Definition

stern

1 of 2 adjective

ˈstərn 

1

a

: hard and severe in nature or manner

a stern judge

b

: expressing severe displeasure : harsh

a stern look

2

: not inviting or attractive : forbidding, grim

3

: firm and not changeable : stout, resolute

stern determination

sternly adverb

sternness

ˈstərn-nəs 

noun

stern

2 of 2 noun

1

: the rear end of a boat

2

: a rear part