sterner; sternest
1
a
: very serious especially in an unfriendly way
a stern judge
a stern warning
b
: expressing strong disapproval or criticism
He gave me a stern look.
2
: not likely to change or become weaker
stern determination/resolve
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stern. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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