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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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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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
Originally attributed to Pieter Pourbus, a Flemish Renaissance artist who worked in Bruges during the 16th century, the painting depicts an austere man and his young daughter in matching ruffs.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
The film makes more than a token effort to explore the material and psychological realities of life under fascist rule, and the transformation of a charming agrarian utopia into an austere military dictatorship.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
For generations, Californians believed that mountains would save them, that wildfires would not burn over the Sierra Nevada’s austere granite peaks.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
The film makes more than a token effort to explore the material and psychological realities of life under fascist rule, and the transformation of a charming agrarian utopia into an austere military dictatorship.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
For generations, Californians believed that mountains would save them, that wildfires would not burn over the Sierra Nevada’s austere granite peaks.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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Some venues, such as London's fabric, encourage a phone-free environment through guidance rather than strict enforcement.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
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First, monitor how Asian hubs respond to the surprising success of Singapore’s stricter regime - will Hong Kong double down on flexibility or pivot toward stability?—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This was the puzzle: The Torch and the Treasure A Bridge Puzzle of Strategy, Speed... and Stolen Gold Five daring fantasy thieves—a nimble Elf, a sneaky Goblin, a fleet-footed Satyr, a gruff Dwarf, and a hulking Troll—have just pulled off the heist of the century.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Could this gruff old man playing mahjong in a nondescript hall be a curious gambler on the last boat up the Mekong, laughing in the face of Edward’s existential crisis?—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
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When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Americans hold more favorable views of Republicans than Democrats, even as favorability remains grim across the board, according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
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While in jail, Dean bonds with Zoro, a grim and mysterious teenage prisoner serving time for murder.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Kit kept things simple with a traditional dark blue suit, pairing the look with a white shirt and polkadot bowtie and his usual glasses.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After some tough matchups in the Trader Joe’s Elite Sweets Tournament, one classic emerged as the champion.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2025
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On others, such as birthright citizenship, the Administration has a tougher path to victory.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fifteen games have passed since, cementing Deepdale as one of the sternest away trips in the English Football League.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Subplots like his minority investment in the sleazy nightclub The Snakehole Lounge afforded him the opportunity to showcase a stunning variety of little coats, unlike Scott, whose stern and straight-laced state auditor Ben Wyatt seemingly never changes into anything less formal.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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What the characters can or cannot do in response, and the catharsis they’re prevented from attaining, are both key parts of their story, and of life in the West Bank at large — a reality Nabulsi conveys in stark, realistic hues, despite her first-feature growing pains.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Although the hairstyle also featured her usual honey blonde color, the contemporary styling felt like a stark contrast to her more sophisticated Glinda looks.—
Kleigh Balugo,
StyleCaster,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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