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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of austere
Bergoglio the priest and archbishop As a Jesuit living under a vow of poverty, Bergoglio led a humble and austere life, forgoing even the slightest of luxuries.
—
Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
According to the reviews of the time, Rookwood Pottery mixed the industrial with the funky and the austere.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford, meanwhile, commissioned Ando to build an austere, geometric masterpiece on his sprawling Cerro Pelon Ranch in New Mexico.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
These drones can be deployed without additional infrastructure or equipment, even in austere environments – offering a game-changing toolset for warfighters.
—David Szondy
june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
According to the reviews of the time, Rookwood Pottery mixed the industrial with the funky and the austere.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford, meanwhile, commissioned Ando to build an austere, geometric masterpiece on his sprawling Cerro Pelon Ranch in New Mexico.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
These drones can be deployed without additional infrastructure or equipment, even in austere environments – offering a game-changing toolset for warfighters.
—David Szondy
june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
-
Growing up in a strict Mennonite community in rural Ohio truly shaped my ethics and values.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
-
On the other hand, the 73-year-old Belichick’s gruff persona, with his monosyllabic utterances at news conferences, has become the stuff of legend.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Unlike harsher retinoids, this one is gentle enough for sensitive skin.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Robert Shapiro, the first member and initial chair of OJ Simpson's defense team, gave a grim prediction regarding Diddy's potential sentence.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
-
In 2024, that number hit a heartbreaking 105 — a grim record for child drownings in the state, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).—
Karen Cohn,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
-
Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
-
Morton, 43, may take that advice under serious consideration, mentioning how tough the fans – and even fellow cast members – have been on her following this past season’s cast trip to Grenada.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
18 July 2025
-
Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Trouble is, that stark premium does not reflect growth in the fund’s NAV.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Collectively, the moves cap a stark turnaround in Trump's approach toward President Putin over the Ukraine issue.—
Charles Maynes,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share