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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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
This austere throwback is fated to be forever known as the movie in which its star accidentally fired a gun with a live round and fatally wounded a crew member.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
The walls of these rooms accomplish a kind of muting of her aura, a place where veneration feels austere or regimented by bureaucracy.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Here, austere elegance defines luxury—no TVs in rooms, no gym, not even a swimming pool.
—Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
All were displayed in an austere room designed for examining art works—an oddly formal space for an encounter with one’s past.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
The walls of these rooms accomplish a kind of muting of her aura, a place where veneration feels austere or regimented by bureaucracy.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Here, austere elegance defines luxury—no TVs in rooms, no gym, not even a swimming pool.
—Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
All were displayed in an austere room designed for examining art works—an oddly formal space for an encounter with one’s past.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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For many kids, this is about just expressing themselves, rather than strict communication, Estevez says.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2025
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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This garment gets exposed to harsher conditions than most clothing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.—
Jordan-Marie Smith,
NPR,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
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The headlines may be grim, but history is generous to those who stay invested.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Simple Systems: Create ease and flow with simple back-end structures and client journeys.—
Christine Williams,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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The religious symbol was decorated with white florals and greenery, and served as the backdrop to Pell and James' simple and serene ceremony.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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That’s really tough to stop from turning into scoring opportunities for the opponent.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Dapple Baby takes this task very seriously, offering a fragrance-free formula that’s tough on stains yet gentle on newborn skin.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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And Hannah Waddingham gives a good, stern space-lady as the voice of the Galactic Grand Councilwoman.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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Ruud van Nistelrooy put his arm round Amad, who wore a stern expression before going onto the pitch.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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As Hay playfully commented, the Opry offered a stark contrast to other highbrow programs populating the airwaves, swapping symphonies and arias for jaunty renditions of old Anglo-Celtic, European and African-American ballads played on the fiddle, banjo and guitar.—
Lindsay Kusiak,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
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Fernandes, in stark contrast, has given his best years to a club enduring their worst years.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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