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

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

The grim economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public events as well as religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

Jeffries Wyman, our scientific attache in Paris and an acquaintance of Pauling’s, thought that Linus and Ava Helen would enjoy the austere charm of the thirteenth-century buildings.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

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!