stern

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.

"We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer and I'm sure Côte d'Ivoire will give us a really stern test," Clarke said.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

There was the neatly coiffed hair, the nicely fitting suit, the smartly positioned tie, even the painfully stern expression from a guy who left no doubt who was running the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

While the admission likely resulted in some stern emails hitting a manager’s inbox, it’s ultimately refreshing that a star of Damon’s caliber and influence came out and actually said it.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

Naomi Osaka has stern enounter with Sorana Cirstea, receiving a frosty handshake and a telling-off from the Romanian as she wins 6-3 4-6 6-2 at the Australian Open.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

That was my mom’s dad, the stern governor who would never have taken us.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri