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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
The game was a back-and-forth affair that has presented the Americans with a stern challenge in their final game before the win-or-go-home Round of 32 next week.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
In the Titanic’s final minutes, its stern rose out of the water, and the ship broke apart.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
The stern warning underscores Tehran's resolve to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and to resist transits that bypass its authorization.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
The game was a back-and-forth affair that has presented the Americans with a stern challenge in their final game before the win-or-go-home Round of 32 next week.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Noun
The new 82-footer is not only the largest model in the Italian yard’s popular Fly series, but also the first of the flybridge motor yachts to feature Azimut’s trademark Deck2Deck terrace, resulting in a large alfresco entertaining space at the stern.
—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
In the Titanic’s final minutes, its stern rose out of the water, and the ship broke apart.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
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Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Noun
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Also present in the wood panelling inside the wall is a hand sticking out of a beam.
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In the evening, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will draw thousands of eyes upward as 85,000 shells are launched from six barges and a laser show beams up from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Adjective
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White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.
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Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
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In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
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Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
Adjective
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The tragedy marks the first deaths for the US Wildland Fire Service, a grim milestone for the new federal agency, which launched in January to coordinate firefighting efforts on public land.
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While that’s a grim statistic, change is possible.
Adjective
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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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