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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
In charge is Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), a stern German tactician who is tasked with assembling a global coalition to handle the astrophage problem.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
The Riverskate is different in that its bow and stern can be intentionally sunk, making all sorts of marvelous maneuvers possible.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
Wetted bays in the bow and stern provide more opportunities for sensor loading.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
In charge is Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), a stern German tactician who is tasked with assembling a global coalition to handle the astrophage problem.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
The vessel offers up a distinctive sloping stern and a sweeping superstructure—as well as a ton of glass aboard for a bright interior, just like its cousin Navetta 35.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
The Riverskate is different in that its bow and stern can be intentionally sunk, making all sorts of marvelous maneuvers possible.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
In response, rental companies are implementing stricter cleaning standards, higher security deposits, and more surveillance.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Still, the driver's age is raising broader policy questions, as some residents are calling for stricter testing requirements for older drivers, including more frequent vision and driving evaluations.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
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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
Noun
-
Particle accelerators like the LHC typically work by firing beams of particles at nearly the speed of light and smashing them together.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
-
It can be anchored to any door, rafter, or beam in seconds and safely supports up to 700 pounds.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Unkind words and thoughts from your harshest critic (yourself) are all too common, especially for women, and their effects can diminish mood, confidence and self-esteem while positive ones can have the opposite impact.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Those forces may give the president more leverage in his negotiations, but also risk fueling Tehran's resentment and provoking a harsher response, analysts say.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing except getting into fierce arguments with fellow-Jews, some would say, which Olitzky—who has a round, boyish face and a conciliatory manner—portrayed as a privilege rather than a burden.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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With one-of-a-kind offerings from the likes of Inglenook, Crocker & Starr, Amici Cellars, Peju, Long Meadow Ranch, and a collaboration between Dakota Shy and Detert Family Vineyards, bidding was fierce on Cabernet Franc.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Organizers and protesters fear America is on a path toward authoritarian rule.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The President has, in ICE, a quasi-authoritarian force at his disposal.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Indeed, young women like Alyoshka’s bride may be looking at a grim future, in which their husbands, in accordance with tradition, have the right to ignore or even beat them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Can this industry get any more grim?—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The real minutes, tough minutes on the road, stressful.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
After those seven players, things get a little tough to project.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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