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Showing results for stern. Search instead for sternf.
Definitions
Trivia Time
Which nautical term describes the direction toward a ship's stern?

stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /


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.

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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

By then we'll know what's the most suitable moniker - the overly-familiar Sebba or Poco - or something more stern.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

Following the Banyuetan report, other state media rushed to denounce insider leaks and demand a crackdown—such as by strengthening censorship algorithms and issuing stern punishments.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

She frowns at me like a stern teacher.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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

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

Truman also delivered a sterner warning to Stalin: The president sent a fleet of B-29 bombers to bases in England, the same type of aircraft that had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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

Friday's opener represents the sternest test yet for Yesavage, who will face a Dodgers batting lineup led by Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025

Serbia, in those more hostile surroundings, will present the sternest challenge of Tuchel's reign.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2025

A guidance counselor came by and gave Kitty her sternest voice and shook several of her fingers at her.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers




Vocabulary lists containing stern


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