stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /

ADJECTIVE

serious, authoritarian

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flinty grim hard-nosed harsh rigid steely strict tough

STRONG

ascetic astringent bitter forbidding rough

WEAK

austere bullheaded by the book cruel disciplinary dyed-in-the-wool frowning hang-tough hard hard-boiled hard-core hard-line hard-shell hardheaded implacable inexorable inflexible mortified mulish relentless rigorous severe stiff-necked stubborn unrelenting unsparing unyielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy flexible gentle kind lenient nice soft yielding

STRONG

bland mild

WEAK

cheerful funny light smiling tolerant

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.

On Wednesday, the company explained the backstory to its stern new order.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

As Pope Leo arrived, rhythmic music blared from loudspeakers with inmates breaking into song and dance under the stern gaze of prison officers.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

As she handed over the decks to DJ Shaw, Landry’s stern visage eased into a blissful smile.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

American presidents have issued stern warnings to the country’s adversaries before.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

It got so loud in the classroom that Mrs. Rouse had to say, “Now, now, boys and girls!” in her very stern loud voice, and flash the lights on and off.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

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