Synonyms of sternness

sternness

noun

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

the company's new president has a reputation for granitelike sternness and monkish austerity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• strictness
• rigidity
• inflexibility
• harshness
• stringency
• hardness
• rigidness
• rigor
• implacability
• rigorousness
• gruffness
• callousness
• exactingness
• obduracy
• dourness
• steadfastness
• hard-heartedness
• pitilessness
• obstinacy
• stubbornness
• firmness
• monasticism
• asceticism
• resolve
• determination
• obdurateness
• austerity
• austereness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentleness
• flexibility
• tolerance
• tenderness
• patience
• softness
• kindness
• forbearance
• mildness
• indulgence
• laxness
• willingness
• responsiveness
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sternness

Saura had a large sense of the humor, which struck those who got to know him, belying the sternness of his public visage with his playful banter and frequent chuckle. — John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026