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 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
Last year, the University of California and California State University put austerity measures in place after previous state budget and federal funding reductions.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Spark’s novel is set in the austerity of postwar London.
—Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
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
Last year, the University of California and California State University put austerity measures in place after previous state budget and federal funding reductions.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Spark’s novel is set in the austerity of postwar London.
—Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austerity
Noun
-
Her work has been touted nationally, but behind those accomplishments are sacrifices no one sees, said her son Paul Wilson.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2026
-
The only potential argument to sway someone who fervently believes that is appealing to their sense of solidarity—to the obligations that every member of society has to every other, to the sacrifices that everyone must make to ensure that society is safe for all.—
Diana Gitig,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 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
-
The sad thing is that the miseries return, but there is no other Garrincha available.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Beth Copeland found a spiked bat and handed it to her husband, who added to Harwood’s misery.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
My professional experience spans multiple disciplines, including serving as a police officer, a business owner and a licensed therapist, which provides me with a well-rounded and versatile skill set.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
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The channels will carry soccer, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports including boxing, among other disciplines.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
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
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Within pashmina throws and Ladakh yak-wool woven rugs, sold in the shop, soften the near-monastic asceticism of the décor and effects of the crepuscular lighting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Trying to stay ahead often leads to sleep deprivation.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
Sleep deprivation and dirty diapers are a small price to pay to feel such love.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Both dishes were perfectly prepared al dente and sauced with restraint, unlike many Italian-American eateries.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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As the broader fashion landscape moves away from restraint and toward self-expression, wedding guest dressing is evolving alongside it.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Hernández expects to know more about the severity of the injury Wednesday.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
-
Depending on the severity of the injury, obliques typically require at least a month to heal.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austerity. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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