1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spartan
providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious
for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
Here we are faced with an aesthetic that is indeed poetic, but also austere; contemplative, yet analytical, critical—at times even rough-edged.
—
Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025
Two Prosecutors is perhaps his most austere film to date — controlled as tightly as the NKVD (Stalin’s secret police of the 1930s and 40s) controlled the Soviet people.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
One of the few women working in that era, she was known for austere and unsettling portraits in sepulchral spaces.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025
While work was being done on the Beaux-Arts mansion, most of its paintings and sculptures were on view a bit north at the old Whitney, an austere, looming Brutalist pile, with white-walled galleries.
—Brian T. Allen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025
Two Prosecutors is perhaps his most austere film to date — controlled as tightly as the NKVD (Stalin’s secret police of the 1930s and 40s) controlled the Soviet people.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
One of the few women working in that era, she was known for austere and unsettling portraits in sepulchral spaces.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025
While work was being done on the Beaux-Arts mansion, most of its paintings and sculptures were on view a bit north at the old Whitney, an austere, looming Brutalist pile, with white-walled galleries.
—Brian T. Allen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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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
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
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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
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Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.—
Jamie Wilson,
Glamour,
16 June 2025
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Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The two men shook hands, and Mamdani slipped away looking grim.—
Eric Lach,
New Yorker,
13 June 2025
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Previous reporting about the district’s measles protection drew from the Illinois Department of Public Health’s measles outbreak simulator dashboard, which had painted a potentially grim picture for the district.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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It’s submerged 11 to 15 feet deep, with its stern facing the shore.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 June 2025
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Tonight: Explore! TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Avoid arguments with others today, which might arise with Mercury in your House of Communications at odds with stern Saturn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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So while Oyun-Erdene’s demise was likely rooted in factional bickering rather than a nefarious power grab, the debacle contains a stark warning that Mongolia’s political class needs to start pulling in the same direction for cherished freedoms to be secured.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
13 June 2025
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That’s a stark contrast from what started unfolding last week, when Trump’s administration sent ICE agents to Los Angeles and federalized the state’s National Guard without request by the state’s governor, which last happened in the United States in the 1960s.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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