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
Pérez instituted austerity measures that proved immensely unpopular — and ultimately led to the rise of Hugo Chávez.
—
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
This, together with the fragmented working class and weak community roots of Lindsay’s liberalism, left the city unable to fight the wave of neoliberal austerity measures that faced the city.
—Daniel Wortel-London, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Modern Latin American history is littered with austerity measures and pro-investment plans that failed because of social unrest or a lack of political support.
—Brian Winter, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The same humorous austerity marked her performances.
—News Desk, Artforum, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austerity
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
This, together with the fragmented working class and weak community roots of Lindsay’s liberalism, left the city unable to fight the wave of neoliberal austerity measures that faced the city.
—Daniel Wortel-London, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Modern Latin American history is littered with austerity measures and pro-investment plans that failed because of social unrest or a lack of political support.
—Brian Winter, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The same humorous austerity marked her performances.
—News Desk, Artforum, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austerity
Noun
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Most front offices don’t favor such things as sacrifices or steals.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Child care providers frequently make personal sacrifices to run their businesses, often putting in long days, enlisting family members to work unpaid or forgoing adequate pay and benefits, such as time off for themselves.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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One day, to break away from his misery, the narrator goes on a hike.—
Amir Ahmadi Arian,
The Dial,
15 Jan. 2026
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The dynasty set an unfathomably high bar, but Rose’s Bulls are the blip of hope in a long line of misery since.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Eberflus’ best intentions and vision for winning football disintegrated due in part to his team’s lack of discipline and the coaching staff’s inability to steer out of even the smallest skids.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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However, the Chinese researchers argue that those systems typically focus on fewer disciplines and often require manual adjustments when expanded.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Beyond their asceticism, the six members of the group - Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung - hail from different countries, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But, for most of us, drinking it too close to bedtime will harm sleep (and health, by extension, if sleep deprivation continues).—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
12 Jan. 2026
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Research shows that sleep deprivation causes hormonal changes that contribute to obesity.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Chef David Richter cooks with confidence and restraint (his mole is the real deal); co-owner Jessica Richter manages the dining room.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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The kitchen, a blank slate designed by Zazueta with selections guided by Thacker, balances modern living with historic restraint.—
Gina Mayfield,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Internal bleeding covers a wide range of severity, from life-threatening injuries to bruising.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
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Moore said the department has since adjusted both its tactics and decision-making protocols for wildland fires, particularly in high fire severity zones.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austerity. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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