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Showing results for austere. Search instead for ausmerzend.
Definitions

austere

[aw-steer] / ɔˈstɪər /
ADJECTIVE
severe in manner
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exacting forbidding formal rigid sober somber stringent
WEAK
ascetic astringent cold earnest grave grim hard harsh inexorable inflexible obdurate rigorous serious solemn stern stiff strict unfeeling unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
flexible
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending
ADJECTIVE
refraining; abstinent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sober subdued
WEAK
abstemious ascetic chaste continent economical puritanical self-denying self-disciplined straitlaced strict unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excited
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending
ADJECTIVE
grim, barren
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bleak rustic stark subdued unadorned
WEAK
bald bare bare-bones clean dour plain primitive severe simple spare spartan unembellished vanilla
Antonyms
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending

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

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

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

According to the location scouts, the success of such austere settings lies in their aesthetic, practical and economic value.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

And though the songs are austere, their performance is far from it.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

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

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