1
as in sacrifice
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
They moved off the grid to live a life of austerity.
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2
as in gruffness
the quality or state of being stern and serious in manner or appearance
His air of austerity tends to put others off.
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3
as in misery
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
His family spent years living in austerity during the recession.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austerity
The state should not respond with austerity that drives more educators out.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Paz’s termination of a popular but fiscally unsustainable fuel subsidy and other austerity measures triggered strikes earlier this month, which escalated into a coordinated effort from the Bolivian Workers’ Central, peasant unions, and miners to paralyze the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
The government succeeded in reversing the fiscal deficit and achieving a budget surplus — a rare result in Argentina’s recent history — but the social cost of the austerity measures has drawn criticism.
—Clara Preve, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Butterss’ double-bass throbs ground the music in chamber-jazz austerity; later, Bellerose shifts into slack, funky drummer mode, as Parker’s guitar takes on a muted highlife gait, then morphs into concentric ripples of distortion that psychedelicize your mind.
—Dave Segal, SPIN, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Paz’s termination of a popular but fiscally unsustainable fuel subsidy and other austerity measures triggered strikes earlier this month, which escalated into a coordinated effort from the Bolivian Workers’ Central, peasant unions, and miners to paralyze the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
The government succeeded in reversing the fiscal deficit and achieving a budget surplus — a rare result in Argentina’s recent history — but the social cost of the austerity measures has drawn criticism.
—Clara Preve, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Butterss’ double-bass throbs ground the music in chamber-jazz austerity; later, Bellerose shifts into slack, funky drummer mode, as Parker’s guitar takes on a muted highlife gait, then morphs into concentric ripples of distortion that psychedelicize your mind.
—Dave Segal, SPIN, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austerity
Noun
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Rather than treating them as competing priorities, Levy's comments illustrated how both can coexist, even when doing so requires support and sacrifice.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Existing attempts to miniaturize these pumping systems often involve compromises, such as rigid mechanical components, high operating voltages, complex fabrication processes, or sacrifices in pumping performance.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
But then Popper smiled and the arrival of opening day momentarily mellowed his gruffness.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Mackay and Turner are both excellent, two movie stars who seem totally game to be asked to move with real gruffness.—
Sam Bodrojan,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Most Falcons fans know the misery of what 28-3 means without even going through the whole story behind it.—
AJC Sports,
AJC.com,
11 June 2026
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The Rays put the Red Sox out of their misery in two hours and 10 minutes.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Remember, Mercury oversees communication, information, planning and perception, while Saturn brings limits, discipline, scrutiny and reality checks.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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The administration investigated Chicago Public Schools and withheld more than $20 million when the district refused to end its Black Student Success Program, which aims to increase access to advanced coursework for Black students and reduce overly harsh discipline.—
Annie Ma,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Just books and plays, and an asceticism associated with the priests Jim would often play.—
Carl Kurlander,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
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Following several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach in Minnesota's Buddhist community at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The Nazis wanted their victims to see only fear, deprivation and survival.—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
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If hair loss is related to sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiency, or stress, those issues will need to be addressed.—
Jillian Pretzel,
Parents,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Smith died of cardiac arrest combined with acute behavioral disturbance, cocaine use and holding restraint, The Times reported.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
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Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup exemplifies a lack of Temperance, while excessive restraint can stifle passion.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
But now, he will be sidelined as the Royals look to determine the severity of the injury.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
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The bear was approximately 17 months old, and in the 70-pound range, Collins said, explaining the severity of the situation.—
Jazmin Alvarado,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austerity. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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