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.

Cox initially had a three strike rule for customers, but Sony alleged the company watered down its consequences for infringers to just a stern warning over time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"There's always a time and place for stern words and now we take a breather," Murphy said.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 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

As I reached for the handle, I turned to see if Connor might be following me, but he was still seated, avoiding the stern glare of his father.

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate