Definitions

stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /

ADJECTIVE

serious, authoritarian

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flinty grim hard-nosed harsh rigid steely strict tough

STRONG

ascetic astringent bitter forbidding rough

WEAK

austere bullheaded by the book cruel disciplinary dyed-in-the-wool frowning hang-tough hard hard-boiled hard-core hard-line hard-shell hardheaded implacable inexorable inflexible mortified mulish relentless rigorous severe stiff-necked stubborn unrelenting unsparing unyielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy flexible gentle kind lenient nice soft yielding

STRONG

bland mild

WEAK

cheerful funny light smiling tolerant

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.

But this stern, commanding figure is at odds with the deeply loving husband he has just become.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

History serves as a stern reminder that key straits have always been used for leverage.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

As she handed over the decks to DJ Shaw, Landry’s stern visage eased into a blissful smile.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

"Bolivia will provide us with a feel for South American opposition, and will no doubt give us a stern test as they recover from the disappointment of defeat in the World Cup play-offs."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Mama Woof gave a stern series of yelps, and the other wolves took up the cry.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing stern

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"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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List 6

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