Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for austerity. Search instead for auswetzt.
Definitions

austerity

[aw-ster-i-tee] / ɔˈstɛr ɪ ti /
NOUN
severity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rigor
STRONG
acerbity asperity astringence coldness exactness formality formalness gravity grimness hardness harshness inclemency inflexibility obduracy rigidity seriousness solemnity sternness stiffness strictness stringency
WEAK
exactingness
Antonyms
STRONG
informality kindness mildness unimportance
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness spending
NOUN
refraining; abstinence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
prudence self-discipline
STRONG
abstemiousness asceticism chasteness chastity continence determination economy puritanism self-denial sobriety stoicism strictness temperance
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending
NOUN
grimness, barrenness
Synonyms
STRONG
baldness bareness economy plainness primitiveness rusticism severity simplicity spareness starkness
WEAK
dourness spartanism unadornment
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness 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.

The government has unveiled a raft of austerity measures designed to save fuel, including moving many government offices to a four-day work week, extending school holidays and moving some classes online.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced an austerity plan designed to save fuel, including slashing the working week for government employees to four days and shutting schools.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

He has implemented major austerity measures — including more than 1,000 layoffs last year — to shore up a gaping budget deficit.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

There were protests as the government introduced austerity measures to try to balance the books.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

And now she wept, after her long austerity, as though she would never be able to stop.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.