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.
See Examples For:
Russian ambassadors in Berlin, London, Paris, Brussels and other capitals have been summoned by their hosts for stern lectures.
From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026
The stern and central section appear to have been covered with the same material, while researchers identified three distinct coating batches at the bow.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026
She’s stern, unsmiling and outspoken, although there is, of course, a soft center under that hard exterior.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
The blaze originated in the stern, sending passengers fleeing to the bow where they were all given life jackets, Muhammad said.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
Hazel reached the stern and couldn’t believe what she saw.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
![]()
Boats have toppled pilings, and hard landings have cracked sterns.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Navy said Revolutionary Guard vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of several American ships at close range and high speed in the northern Gulf.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 22, 2020
With the sterns half-ashore, breakers could then cut in and dismantle the ships laterally, as a snacker might eat through a baguette.
From The Guardian ● May 2, 2017
Thousands of office workers rush past it every day without noticing its three bay windows carved as the sterns of baroque frigates, complete with waves, dolphins and trailing seaweed.
From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2015
The fog was closing over the two ships, curling over their sterns and sails.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
![]()
Wach has lost seven of his past 10 fights and is a significant underdog on paper, but Fury insisted the veteran presents a sterner test than Joshua's opponent, Albanian Prenga.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
Fireworks can frighten animals and send them scattering, but Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets apparently are made of sterner stuff.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026
Rosenior will face a sterner test in his first home game on Wednesday when Chelsea host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg.
From Barron's ● Jan. 10, 2026
But it remains to be seen whether this president and the country he leads are ready for the sterner tests to come.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025
The horse, he thought, was ready for sterner stuff.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
![]()
The blockage in the Persian Gulf poses the sternest test the reserves have ever faced.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026
The Islamic Republic's system faces its sternest test.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026
PSG come into the sternest test yet of their European title defence top of the French Ligue 1 and with three wins from three so far in the league phase.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
In death penalty cases, the legal system is put to its sternest test.
From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2025
The day’s adventures had made Penelope feel rather bold, and she spoke in her sternest and most Swanburnian tone.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing stern
Words Every Pirate Should Know
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!
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
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!
List 6
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!