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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversations came as a surprise given Rubio’s stern criticism of the Castro regime’s human rights abuses and the lack of freedom of expression inside the country.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
The Riverskate is different in that its bow and stern can be intentionally sunk, making all sorts of marvelous maneuvers possible.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
This led to stern criticism from KAK president Kenneth Kleist.
—Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversations came as a surprise given Rubio’s stern criticism of the Castro regime’s human rights abuses and the lack of freedom of expression inside the country.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
The vessel offers up a distinctive sloping stern and a sweeping superstructure—as well as a ton of glass aboard for a bright interior, just like its cousin Navetta 35.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
The Riverskate is different in that its bow and stern can be intentionally sunk, making all sorts of marvelous maneuvers possible.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
In response, rental companies are implementing stricter cleaning standards, higher security deposits, and more surveillance.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Still, the driver's age is raising broader policy questions, as some residents are calling for stricter testing requirements for older drivers, including more frequent vision and driving evaluations.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
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As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Massive beams repurposed Look up in the great hall and the ceiling becomes part of the backstory.—
David Caraccio
April 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His team, which includes his advisor Atsushi Shirane and Masaya Miyahara of Japan’s High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), is aiming to develop a wireless system for controlling robots in this harsh environment.—
Katherine Bourzac,
IEEE Spectrum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Items that are wind-resistant and waterproof will be good for use in many harsh weather conditions in which the user would need protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Altman inspired fierce loyalty, too.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Christian villagers who stayed behind in southern Lebanon, ignoring Israel’s blanket evacuation warnings for the area, have increasingly hardened into enclaves surrounded by fierce clashes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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By definition, regime change is systemic change – something that has yet to be seen in the Islamic Republic, which remains under the same authoritarian theocracy that has been in place since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
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Stability without democracy is a replicable model that could normalize the management of useful authoritarian governments worldwide.—
Boris Muñoz,
Time,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The German Marshall Fund think tank reached a similarly grim conclusion.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
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At the Church of Saint Andrew in Bucha, after viewing dozens of graphic photographs and a video display of the massacres with his EU counterparts, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski was grim.—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The judge assigned to Amin’s case was Iman Afshari, known in Tehran for his tough sentences—a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist, in January, for human-rights abuses.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Two sisters in Big Bear are facing one of the toughest moments in their lives.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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