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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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
Here we are faced with an aesthetic that is indeed poetic, but also austere; contemplative, yet analytical, critical—at times even rough-edged.
—
Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025
Two Prosecutors is perhaps his most austere film to date — controlled as tightly as the NKVD (Stalin’s secret police of the 1930s and 40s) controlled the Soviet people.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
One of the few women working in that era, she was known for austere and unsettling portraits in sepulchral spaces.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025
While work was being done on the Beaux-Arts mansion, most of its paintings and sculptures were on view a bit north at the old Whitney, an austere, looming Brutalist pile, with white-walled galleries.
—Brian T. Allen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025
Two Prosecutors is perhaps his most austere film to date — controlled as tightly as the NKVD (Stalin’s secret police of the 1930s and 40s) controlled the Soviet people.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
One of the few women working in that era, she was known for austere and unsettling portraits in sepulchral spaces.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025
While work was being done on the Beaux-Arts mansion, most of its paintings and sculptures were on view a bit north at the old Whitney, an austere, looming Brutalist pile, with white-walled galleries.
—Brian T. Allen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.—
Ryan Ballogg,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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While Hornets fans were not as gruff as New York Knicks or Boston Celtics supporters, Charlotte pro basketball fans were among the leaders who posted a specific swear word.—
Kendrick Marshall,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
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Paul is lovable but gruff, while Jimmy is lost and a bit broken after having lost his wife in a drunk driving accident.—
Hedy Phillips,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Kilar’s bold moves and harsh comeuppance beg the question: In an age of uncertainty, should Hollywood look to innovative but potentially disruptive outsiders or elevate from within?—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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As Read walked to the bench with her legal team, Peggy O'Keefe, seated every day front and center, gave the defendant a grim look, video shows.—
Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
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After trading away star guard Luka Doncic for big man Anthony Davis, many saw Dallas as a team with a grim outlook for the future.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Better yet, this was all relatively simple to accomplish and extremely user intuitive.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
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Serving clients around the globe, ACE operates with a simple but powerful mission: to help individuals and companies navigate aircraft transactions with confidence, clarity, and efficiency.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Their final test is the toughest in a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers, the same team that just last year took them to seven games in the Stanley Cup Final before the Panthers ultimately prevailed.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
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For the body-conscious dad Finding time to exercise, as well as to recover from a workout, during a busy travel schedule can be tough.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2025
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And, Boeing would have had to submit to a Justice Department—appointed compliance monitor, with the independence and power to impose stern safety reforms.—
Charles Tiefer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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So while Oyun-Erdene’s demise was likely rooted in factional bickering rather than a nefarious power grab, the debacle contains a stark warning that Mongolia’s political class needs to start pulling in the same direction for cherished freedoms to be secured.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
13 June 2025
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That’s a stark contrast from what started unfolding last week, when Trump’s administration sent ICE agents to Los Angeles and federalized the state’s National Guard without request by the state’s governor, which last happened in the United States in the 1960s.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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