stern

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
Synonyms of stern
1
a
: having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere
b
: expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
The judge gave them a stern warning.
2
: forbidding or gloomy in appearance
a stern expression
3
: inexorable
stern necessity
4
: sturdy, stout
a stern resolve
sternly adverb
sternness
ˈstərn-nəs How to pronounce stern (audio)
noun

stern

2 of 2

noun

1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part

Synonyms of stern

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for stern

severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint.

severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

Examples of stern in a Sentence

Adjective He gave me a stern look. the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Most include a warning of no refunds and a stern caution to know the limits of one’s own taste buds—something too many poor souls choose to ignore. — Ellen Fort, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Noun
That episode inspires a Gospel story where Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a furious storm. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 Bringing up the rear in the four favorites’ rankings, Silent Tactic remains in the same boat as Chip Honcho, but seated a mite further toward the stern. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stern

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare

Noun

Middle English, rudder, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn steering, rudder; akin to Old English stīeran to steer — more at steer

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stern was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing stern

Rhymes for stern

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Browse Nearby Words

Sterlitamak
stern
Stern
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Cite this Entry

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stern

1 of 2 adjective
ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
1
a
: hard and severe in nature or manner
a stern judge
b
: expressing severe displeasure : harsh
a stern look
2
: not inviting or attractive : forbidding, grim
3
: firm and not changeable : stout, resolute
stern determination
sternly adverb
sternness
ˈstərn-nəs How to pronounce stern (audio)
noun

stern

2 of 2 noun
1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a rear part

Biographical Definition

Stern 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈstərn How to pronounce Stern (audio)
Isaac 1920–2001 American (Russian-born) violinist

Stern

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Otto 1888–1969 American (German-born) physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on stern

Nglish: Translation of stern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stern

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