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.

Dubai police have issued stern warnings against “any content that may cause public panic,” saying “sharing rumors, false information of any content that contradicts official announcements” is prohibited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 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

At the border crossing from Iran into Iraqi Kurdistan, the stern face of Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, peers down at the trickle of Iranians leaving the territory.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Brother Apunda, the temple’s head custodian, was a stern old man who always smelled of spoiled legumes.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray