1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.
—Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2025
Its indoor garage transports a 25-foot tender, and there are other openings near the stern that expand the rear beach club and spa.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
But Zelensky said Ukraine will not legally recognize Crimea's occupation, prompting a stern response from Trump that the Ukrainian leader was getting in the way of a peace deal.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.
—Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
At the stern of the Hinnøy, there were what appeared to be three small, bright orange submarines.
—Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2025
Its indoor garage transports a 25-foot tender, and there are other openings near the stern that expand the rear beach club and spa.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
For many kids, this is about just expressing themselves, rather than strict communication, Estevez says.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2025
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The lights in the hall dimmed completely — and then the room lit up again as hundreds of small beams illuminated the space.—
RoselynMartin Somtochukwu Ilo,
Hartford Courant,
11 May 2025
-
On colliding with the plasma, the beam particles are re-ionized, while the collision energy heats the plasma.—
David Szondy
May 10,
New Atlas,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
-
Avoid harsh products: Soaps, lotions, and products with fragrance, alcohol, or dyes can dry out the skin and worsen atopic dermatitis.—
Health,
Health,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
Tehran claims its program is peaceful but has threatened fierce retaliation and a possible withdrawal from the nonproliferation treaty if its nuclear sites are attacked.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
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The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
From 2019 to 2020, the authoritarian petrostate paid $115,000 a month to now–Attorney General Pam Bondi and her firm to lobby on its behalf.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
The congressman sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, accusing him of prioritizing personal spectacle and showing admiration for authoritarian leaders.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
India claims to have targeted militant infrastructure, but the reality is grim: at least 26 Pakistani civilians -including women and a young child were reported killed in the strikes.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
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Sitting in on India press conferences can often be a bit grim, carefully orchestrated by the team's hierarchy and little is usually given to their hungry press corps.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Dodging tough questions without seeming a bit evasive.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
10 May 2025
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Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administration’s past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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