1
as in sacrifice
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
They moved off the grid to live a life of austerity.
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2
as in gruffness
the quality or state of being stern and serious in manner or appearance
His air of austerity tends to put others off.
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3
as in misery
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
His family spent years living in austerity during the recession.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austerity
Taxation levels are approaching those seen during the Second World War, while beloved and vital state institutions such as the National Health Service are struggling after years of austerity cuts and budget squeezes.
—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
And austerity cost the average Briton half a year of life expectancy from 2010 to 2019, according to a study by the London School of Economics.
—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
23 June 2026
Labour spurned the chance to tell a positive story about the need to hike taxes to mend Britain’s public services, gutted by years of Conservative austerity.
—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
And austerity cost the average Briton half a year of life expectancy from 2010 to 2019, according to a study by the London School of Economics.
—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
23 June 2026
Labour spurned the chance to tell a positive story about the need to hike taxes to mend Britain’s public services, gutted by years of Conservative austerity.
—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austerity
Noun
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It is also told through families, workers, immigrants, entrepreneurs, churches, communities, and quiet acts of sacrifice that rarely make history books but shape the nation just the same.
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The 55-year-old country singer frequently honors veterans and first responders while recognizing their sacrifices on patriotic holidays.
Noun
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Mackay and Turner are both excellent, two movie stars who seem totally game to be asked to move with real gruffness.
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But then Popper smiled and the arrival of opening day momentarily mellowed his gruffness.
Noun
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The Charlotte region will start feeling like a frying pan come Wednesday, and forecasters expect the sticky misery to linger into next week.
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But the misery of the heat would add to the story told over natural wine at a bar back home.
Noun
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Platforms built around incentive capture, funding cost discipline and structural durability are well-positioned to deliver the hedge that households are now actively seeking.
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The Honorary Award is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.
Noun
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Just books and plays, and an asceticism associated with the priests Jim would often play.
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Following several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach in Minnesota's Buddhist community at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center.
Noun
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Sleep deprivation strips away that capacity, often resulting in erratic outbursts or defensive behaviors that dismantle trust instantly.
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High doses of creatine helped people with sleep deprivation perform better.
Noun
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Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.
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For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.
Noun
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Emergency drain cleaning runs $400 to $1,000 or more, depending on severity.
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While most wildfires in the past burned slowly across the forest floor, providing benefits to the forest, high-severity fires roar into the tops of the trees, burning 1,000 degrees or hotter, with flames that can reach 200 feet tall.
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austerity. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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