ASCETIC Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ascetic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascetic are austere , severe , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When could 'austere' be used to replace 'ascetic'?

The words austere and ascetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'severe' instead of 'ascetic'?

The synonyms severe and ascetic are sometimes interchangeable, but severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: Where would 'stern' be a reasonable alternative to 'ascetic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascetic , stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

ascetic 1 of 2

adjective

variants also ascetical

Definition of ascetic next

as in monastic

formal relating to or having a strict and simple way of living that avoids physical pleasure He committed to having an ascetic existence during his rehab. an ascetic diet of rice and beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ascetic

2 of 2

noun

as in prude

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ascetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascetic are austere, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When could austere be used to replace ascetic?

The words austere and ascetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When is it sensible to use severe instead of ascetic?

The synonyms severe and ascetic are sometimes interchangeable, but severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to ascetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascetic, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Examples of ascetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While this year’s weather was milder, the tone set by Sequoia was similarly ascetic. —

Michal Lev-Ram, Fortune, 25 July 2024 Here's what's going on with the ascetic, monk-style travel trend (with an unfortunate name) taking TikTok by storm. —

Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2024 But certain characteristics are immutable: a red bow over her left ear, no mouth, and an ascetic, almost ethereal, expression. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 27 June 2024 Putin enjoys high living, while Xi’s personal style seems to border on ascetic. —

Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ascetic

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ascetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.