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 issued stern warnings against sharing content that causes public panic or contradicts official announcements.

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

Naomi Osaka has stern enounter with Sorana Cirstea, receiving a frosty handshake and a telling-off from the Romanian as she wins 6-3 4-6 6-2 at the Australian Open.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

Her mouth was curled into a stern frown.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack