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
But other developments signal a more austere future.
—
Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The yin/yang play of the Riggs—where soft is juxtaposed with hard, pretty with austere, cool with warm—mirrors a city where impulses often waver between heartfelt public service and chilly ambition.
—Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR Media, 14 Apr. 2025
Artists of all kinds have been inspired by the region’s gentle landscapes and austere architecture, and almost every village has a museum commemorating some local luminary or other.
—Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
School of Love follows the austere lives of the Cistercian Sisters of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, in County Waterford, Ireland.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The yin/yang play of the Riggs—where soft is juxtaposed with hard, pretty with austere, cool with warm—mirrors a city where impulses often waver between heartfelt public service and chilly ambition.
—Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR Media, 14 Apr. 2025
Artists of all kinds have been inspired by the region’s gentle landscapes and austere architecture, and almost every village has a museum commemorating some local luminary or other.
—Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
School of Love follows the austere lives of the Cistercian Sisters of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, in County Waterford, Ireland.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 May 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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From growing up in the streets of Kansas City to serving jail time, Gilliam shared how rapping about his harsh experiences has made fans love him.—
Ramal Nasim,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
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Netflix released the trailer for the reality TV show on YouTube on Wednesday, which starts with a voice-over of a cheerleader talking about how the DCC will always be in each other’s lives before explaining the harsh reality of trying out to be a Cowboys cheerleader with all the talent.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
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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In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
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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But in a stark contrast, Read’s father has been mingling with her fans and chatting with the press in an apparent bid to win public sentiment over to his daughter.—
Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
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As a manager, Schaeffer, 40, is a prospect himself, a stark contrast from Black, 67.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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