Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for austere. Search instead for ausstellern.
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.

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

Images of him in his austere wardrobe—a turban, clerical robes and a long, graying beard—appeared in offices, on billboards and murals throughout the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

It was impossible to tell if she was old or young, but her expression was austere and compassionate, and both Will and Lyra felt as if she knew them to their hearts.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Vocabulary lists containing austere

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

ASVAB Word Knowledge

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!