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
Relevance
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Reuters, NBC news, 23 May 2025
Antetokounmpo seemed to take exception to the towel waving, perceiving it as taunting, and engaged in what seemed like a stern but respectful back-and-forth.
—Amos Morale Iii, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s also one in the stern, which Paczkowski has revamped to seamlessly connect to the beach club, the aft platform, and the main deck.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
An internal inspection found that there were no holes at the warship’s bottom, but the starboard hull was scratched and seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel, the report said.
—Reuters, NBC news, 23 May 2025
Antetokounmpo seemed to take exception to the towel waving, perceiving it as taunting, and engaged in what seemed like a stern but respectful back-and-forth.
—Amos Morale Iii, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
Photo : Lagoon Yachts Lagoon 60 The new Lagoon 60’s aft cockpit bears a close resemblance to a power cat, with a large open stern, foldout transom, and facing lounges that run forward to the main cabin, which is defined by natural light, thanks to the glass.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s also one in the stern, which Paczkowski has revamped to seamlessly connect to the beach club, the aft platform, and the main deck.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.—
Ryan Ballogg,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
-
There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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While Hornets fans were not as gruff as New York Knicks or Boston Celtics supporters, Charlotte pro basketball fans were among the leaders who posted a specific swear word.—
Kendrick Marshall,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
-
Paul is lovable but gruff, while Jimmy is lost and a bit broken after having lost his wife in a drunk driving accident.—
Hedy Phillips,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
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Netflix released the trailer for the reality TV show on YouTube on Wednesday, which starts with a voice-over of a cheerleader talking about how the DCC will always be in each other’s lives before explaining the harsh reality of trying out to be a Cowboys cheerleader with all the talent.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sanders’s Senate counterpart, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), is a fierce Trump critic.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
-
Meta’s big bet on Wang fits into CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s plans to bolster his company’s AI efforts amid fierce competition from OpenAI and Google-parent Alphabet.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
But then again, almost everything Trump does is right out of the authoritarian playbook.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 June 2025
-
Any center of liberal and free thought from pop music to Ivy League universities is vulnerable to authoritarian impulses.—
Stephen Collinson,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
After trading away star guard Luka Doncic for big man Anthony Davis, many saw Dallas as a team with a grim outlook for the future.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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As Read walked to the bench with her legal team, Peggy O'Keefe, seated every day front and center, gave the defendant a grim look, video shows.—
Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
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This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.—
Scott Stringer,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Hristo Stoichkov played with an intimidating edge that could both win games and cross an unforgivable line.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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Judith Collins, the committee chair, said the lawmakers’ behavior was egregious, disruptive, and potentially intimidating.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Christian Science Monitor,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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