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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
Her voice, her arrangements, and her performances are sophisticated and beautiful, even austere.
—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
Related Stories The project will explore Gaudí’s life, inner battles and spiritual evolution, framing the architect as a radical creative force shaped by faith and an increasingly austere existence.
—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Still, the austere tone of that album—more of a Dreyblatt slow burn than an ecstatic Horse Lords spiral—may have caused some to worry that the band had only gotten together because of the opportunity to work with an inspirational figure.
—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
12 June 2026
Les Airelles Courchevel’s Hans Anderson details were crafted in the 1990s, avoiding the cold corridors and austere, dusty libraries of centuries-old country houses.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
Related Stories The project will explore Gaudí’s life, inner battles and spiritual evolution, framing the architect as a radical creative force shaped by faith and an increasingly austere existence.
—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Still, the austere tone of that album—more of a Dreyblatt slow burn than an ecstatic Horse Lords spiral—may have caused some to worry that the band had only gotten together because of the opportunity to work with an inspirational figure.
—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
12 June 2026
Les Airelles Courchevel’s Hans Anderson details were crafted in the 1990s, avoiding the cold corridors and austere, dusty libraries of centuries-old country houses.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
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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.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Adjective
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Remember, Slate’s promising something with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s fairly spartan Maverick pickup has that spec sheet handily beat.
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Was Kenzaburo Oe, for example, subjected to the same spartan toilet seat?
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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The tragedy marks the first deaths for the US Wildland Fire Service, a grim milestone for the new federal agency, which launched in January to coordinate firefighting efforts on public land.
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While that’s a grim statistic, change is possible.
Adjective
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As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
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Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
Adjective
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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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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.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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