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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stern
Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 June 2025
The warship was damaged on May 21, when during its launch the stern went into the water but the bow stayed stuck on land.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 June 2025
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
However, details of the sealed meeting were leaked to a media outlet, prompting a stern warning from the judge Tuesday morning.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
Witnesses reported hearing loud cracking sounds as the mooring lines began snapping one by one, causing the ship's stern to drift away from the dock.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 June 2025
The warship was damaged on May 21, when during its launch the stern went into the water but the bow stayed stuck on land.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 June 2025
Noun
But for the 156 players who tee off Thursday at The Broadmoor, the shots that don’t leave the ground will provide the sternest challenge of both their physical and mental abilities.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
However, details of the sealed meeting were leaked to a media outlet, prompting a stern warning from the judge Tuesday morning.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
-
President Donald Trump's administration has announced strict new visa restrictions for Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
-
The rule requires refiners and fuel distributors to meet stricter emissions targets even as refineries close in a state that has long made its hostility to the oil and gas industry clear.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
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
Noun
-
His paws dangle over the side of a broken beam, with a metal wall at an odd angle behind him.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
-
Or, try attaching this UV-resistant canopy to wood beams or stakes.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The mask fully blocks out the harsh cabin lighting and that inevitable sunrise glow before landing.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
-
Unlike harsher retinoids, this one is gentle enough for sensitive skin.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
To put that drop into context, Gates was the fifth richest person alive on July 3, highlighting the fierce (and sometimes erratic) battle to make it to the top 10.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
-
Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.—
Nathan Meyers,
The Conversation,
11 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
-
As of a grim Monday morning tally, 41 people still were missing.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
With one out, however, Ohtani was thrown at the plate trying to score from third on Pages’ chopper up the line — making an aggressive, but proper, read in a game in which the Dodgers had long before conceded that runs would be tough to come by.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
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The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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