1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spartan
providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious
for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
These techniques lend the space a cavernous, austere quality, but are always done deliberately, reinforcing the building’s structural honesty.
—
Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
The austere, clean restaurant sits in a nondescript little strip mall, as so many surprisingly good places do.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
The South Korean company is positioning the technology as a practical power solution for unmanned logistics, reconnaissance, and battlefield support missions, particularly in austere and high-temperature environments.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
The preference for fish is given because, according to Catholic tradition, it is considered an austere food and has a broad meaning in the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, as well as in the fact that four of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus were fishermen.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
The austere, clean restaurant sits in a nondescript little strip mall, as so many surprisingly good places do.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
The South Korean company is positioning the technology as a practical power solution for unmanned logistics, reconnaissance, and battlefield support missions, particularly in austere and high-temperature environments.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
The preference for fish is given because, according to Catholic tradition, it is considered an austere food and has a broad meaning in the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, as well as in the fact that four of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus were fishermen.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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Such improvements are crucial for devices like drones that operate with strict limitations on computing power and battery capacity, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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Wife killed in February airstrikes Mojtaba Khamenei was a particular target for criticism by protesters during unrest over the death of a young woman in police custody in 2022, after she was arrested for allegedly breaching the Islamic Republic's strict dress codes.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
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While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The modern extension in the rear of the 19th-century main villa is an elegantly spartan affair that somehow complements the 19th-century edifice and brings in the surrounding foliage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Mar. 2026
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His solution is to hide technology behind spartan interfaces.—
Diana Budds,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Audrey Sterk of Audrey Sterk Design teamed up with Chip Webster Architecture and Reid Builders to use durable composite countertops and weather-resistant cabinetry to ensure this outdoor kitchen will last, even in this harsh island environment.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On homelessness, the view was grimmer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Hence the grim determination with which Eva approaches the mission.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a stern warning to the Iranians after an Iranian missile was launched at Turkey and was shot down by NATO defense forces.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Ye allegedly demanded in a stern voice mimicked on the stand by Holding.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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