Synonyms of austere

austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• harsh
• tough
• authoritarian
• rigorous
• rigid
• stern
• severe
• hard
• gruff
• relentless
• flinty
• hardened
• merciless
• steadfast
• heavy-handed
• demanding
• ramrod
• ascetic
• dour
• unforgiving
• uncompromising
• pitiless
• adamant
• exacting
• inflexible
• unbending
• implacable
• unrelenting
• monastic
• stiff
• callous
• unyielding
• hard-line
• unsparing
• adamantine
• monkish
• uncharitable
• immovable
• ossified
• determined
• bullying
• unflinching
• hard-hearted
• rock-ribbed
• intractable
• obstinate
• dogged
• single-minded
• resolved
• firm
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• indulgent
• lax
• lenient
• easy
• tolerant
• mild
• easygoing
• undemanding
• forbearing
• soft
• kind
• charitable
• patient
• merciful
• clement
• accepting
• laid-back
• responsive
• agreeable
• willing
• flexible
• yielding
• softhearted
• amenable
• compliant
• complaisant
• acquiescent
• pliant
• pliable
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• grim
• stern
• intimidating
• rugged
• fierce
• bleak
• forbidding
• hostile
• stark
• severe
• dour
• rough
• steely
• flinty
• somber
• cold
• dark
• hardened
• lowering
• solemn
• stubborn
• ungentle
• inhospitable
• moody
• resolute
• rigid
• black
• unfriendly
• stiff
• uncompromising
• steadfast
• unflinching
• inimical
• determined
• unsympathetic
• inflexible
• unbending
• implacable
• adamant
• unrelenting
• purposeful
• obdurate
• unyielding
• cheerless
• gloomy
• obstinate
• joyless
• morose
• melancholy
• bound
• serious
• sullen
• melancholic
• intent
• willful
• immovable
• unsmiling
• humorless
• staid
• hard
• resolved
• unchangeable
• brooding
• firm
• hardheaded
• fixed
• glum
• sober
• mulish
• immutable
• surly
• sulky
• self-willed
• weighty
• grave
• set
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• gentle
• benign
• bland
• soft
• mellow
• quiet
• meek
• benignant
• tender
• easy
• soothing
• tranquil
• pleasant
• sweet
• agreeable
• cheerful
• bright
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• sunny
• inviting
• merry
• happy
• lighthearted
• mirthful
• frivolous
• playful
• silly
• glad
• goofy
• giddy
• scatterbrained
• harebrained
• flighty
• featherbrained
• light-headed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spartan
• simple
• stark
• no-frills
• unadorned
• plain
• undecorated
• unfancy
• unelaborate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• luxurious
• plush
• deluxe
• fancy
• elaborate
• luxe
• decorated
• Lucullan
• adorned

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective austere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," 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 ascetic a more appropriate choice than austere?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When is it sensible to use severe instead of austere?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could stern be used to replace austere?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of austere

His character is an avatar for the austere religion that threatens to impinge on the wildness that reigns at the Heights. —Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026

The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

That extends to the roving, untethered movement of David Raedeker’s camera, capturing both the austere beauty and the overbuilt tackiness of the setting in bleachy, unrelenting sunlight, and to the film’s varied, agitated electro soundtrack from former A-Ha keyboardist Erik Ljunggren. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026

Smaller support requirements allow faster setup and sustainment, particularly in forward or austere locations. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026