stern
Example Sentences
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Jannik Sinner's tricky start to his Wimbledon title defence continued as he overcame a stern second-round test against Nuno Borges.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
A stern, lawyerly Mormon, Greer is seen by most officials as a tough negotiator in the mold of his mentor, former U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
“She had red hair like —” Robin prompts in the manner of a stern third-grade teacher.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
Ranked 11th in the world, Croatia will once more provide a stern test for England in Wednesday's Group L opener.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
Her mouth was curled into a stern frown.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
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
From their sterns hung large white standards bearing the crown and royal cipher.
From Time Magazine Archive
The fog was closing over the two ships, curling over their sterns and sails.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
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
The 2024 US Open semi-finalist reaching the Eastbourne semi-finals in his comeback tournament was very promising, although the rigours of five-set matches will be a sterner examination of his fitness.
From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026
Much sterner tests lie ahead for Rosenior, starting with a visit from Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
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
She gave a cursory glance to the children—and then a second, far sterner look.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
It was probably the sternest test the Americans have faced in the tournament.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026
The blockage in the Persian Gulf poses the sternest test the reserves have ever faced.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 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
Even the sternest teachers and the brash older girls with whom you hardly dared to speak smiled at you in a special, knowing way your whole birthday long.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Vocabulary lists containing stern
Words Every Pirate Should Know
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"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
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List 6
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