Definitions

stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /

ADJECTIVE

serious, authoritarian

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flinty grim hard-nosed harsh rigid steely strict tough

STRONG

ascetic astringent bitter forbidding rough

WEAK

austere bullheaded by the book cruel disciplinary dyed-in-the-wool frowning hang-tough hard hard-boiled hard-core hard-line hard-shell hardheaded implacable inexorable inflexible mortified mulish relentless rigorous severe stiff-necked stubborn unrelenting unsparing unyielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy flexible gentle kind lenient nice soft yielding

STRONG

bland mild

WEAK

cheerful funny light smiling tolerant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Joost van Dreunen, a professor of games business at NYU Stern, argues that unlike books, films or music, many games are built around communities and online interaction.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

In the 2000s, Dolan attempted to audit the league’s finances under then-commissioner David Stern, causing the two men not to speak for several years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

In this Opinionpalooza bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern examine the details of the case.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

"Is this an amazing company or is it ridiculously overvalued? The answer is yes," quipped Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at NYU Stern.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Stern and officious, the admiral scowled down at each Incorrigible.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing stern

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"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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List 6

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