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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
This building was very austere as far as the color palette.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
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
This building was very austere as far as the color palette.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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Under the law, California is able to set these stricter standards through a waiver from the EPA.
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And extreme sports accidents renew calls for stricter regulations.
Adjective
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
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Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.
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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Located at an altitude of about 27,000 feet, Tshiring said the remains have become a grim waypoint for climbers ascending from the Tibetan side of the iconic mountain.
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The heroic death plays out almost as a footnote in an otherwise grim day at sea.
Adjective
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The questions Campbell needs to answer are simple.
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Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
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 26 Jun. 2026.
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