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
The South Korean company is positioning the technology as a practical power solution for unmanned logistics, reconnaissance, and battlefield support missions, particularly in austere and high-temperature environments.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, in contrast to the remnants of the austere Spanish colonial and mission architecture that define the town.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Nishihata’s modern take on the austere Japanese garden is complimented by colorful florals by another local plant genius, Makoto Azuma.
—Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
The preference for fish is given because, according to Catholic tradition, it is considered an austere food and has a broad meaning in the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, as well as in the fact that four of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus were fishermen.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, in contrast to the remnants of the austere Spanish colonial and mission architecture that define the town.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Nishihata’s modern take on the austere Japanese garden is complimented by colorful florals by another local plant genius, Makoto Azuma.
—Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
The preference for fish is given because, according to Catholic tradition, it is considered an austere food and has a broad meaning in the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, as well as in the fact that four of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus were fishermen.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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Such improvements are crucial for devices like drones that operate with strict limitations on computing power and battery capacity, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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Wife killed in February airstrikes Mojtaba Khamenei was a particular target for criticism by protesters during unrest over the death of a young woman in police custody in 2022, after she was arrested for allegedly breaching the Islamic Republic's strict dress codes.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The modern extension in the rear of the 19th-century main villa is an elegantly spartan affair that somehow complements the 19th-century edifice and brings in the surrounding foliage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Mar. 2026
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His solution is to hide technology behind spartan interfaces.—
Diana Budds,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Engineers have long searched for efficient electric alternatives that can survive the harsh conditions inside industrial systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
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Critics say the danger faced by agents whose names are made public is overblown, almost always limited to harsh and violent words lobbed from behind a laptop or phone screen.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On homelessness, the view was grimmer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Hence the grim determination with which Eva approaches the mission.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Finales can be tough, given how viewers chime in on social media.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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With the Royals negotiations collapsing with Kansas, the state may be able to get away with a tougher negotiating position.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a stern warning to the Iranians after an Iranian missile was launched at Turkey and was shot down by NATO defense forces.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Ye allegedly demanded in a stern voice mimicked on the stand by Holding.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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