sternly

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.

Faithful ally Eric Nam sternly points out to him that his rants are throwing off everyone else’s game.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

When asked if she would congratulate Venezuela’s María Corina Machado on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the Mexican president sternly replied: “No comment.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Others—including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has taken great pains to avoid confrontations with the sensitive American president—warned Trump very sternly not to make serious moves on Greenland.

From Slate • Jan. 8, 2026

Just before we made a 45-minute stop at the station, which is surrounded by a grim neighborhood, an Amtrak staffer took the microphone to sternly address the coach-class travelers.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

“Kenji,” she said sternly, “how do you know such things?”

From "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr