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
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sternness
severity
Noun
-
Both a quarantine and blockade are similar in essence, though differ in personnel and severity.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025 -
Scientists have tried to artificially bolster Florida’s coral populations by rearing colonies in nurseries both onshore and offshore, but the success of these efforts will depend on the frequency and severity of future bleaching events, the report said.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Sternness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sternness. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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