austere

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.

He was brought up in Protestantism, to which was often attributed his austere demeanour, but gave up religion in his teens.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Books, music and cushions are popular recommendations, standing in contrast to the more austere guidance from Israeli authorities, which includes having a radio, batteries, a phone charger and ID papers.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

St David and his monks led a very simple and austere life, living off only leeks and water.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

The austere institution southwest of Tokyo was set up by the founder of consumer-electronics giant Panasonic to nurture future leaders who, like Takaichi, didn’t have the privileged background typical of Japanese politicians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Even the name had an austere Anglican cadence, to my ear at least, which yearned hopelessly for England and was dead to the sweet dark rhythms of the little mission towns.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt