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Definitions

sternly

[sturn-lee] / ˈstɜrn li /
ADVERB
seriously
Synonyms
STRONGEST
actively earnestly passionately sincerely vigorously
STRONG
gravely
WEAK
all joking aside cool it cut the comedy determinedly down fervently for real in all conscience in all seriousness in earnest intently purposefully resolutely sedately simmer down soberly solemnly straighten out thoughtfully with a straight face with forethought with sobriety zealously
Antonyms
WEAK
casually funnily lightly minor trivially
ADVERB
severely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acutely badly critically dangerously extremely firmly markedly painfully seriously sharply sorely strictly
STRONG
gravely hard
WEAK
hardly intensely rigorously roughly with an iron hand
Antonyms
STRONGEST
mildly
WEAK
compassionately lightly

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

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

“Guests not dressed for the occasion will be asked to make adjustments before entry,” we are sternly admonished.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

A deeply religious man — he has “Only God Can Judge Me” sternly tattooed across his back — Jem is on a mission whose purpose will only slowly be revealed.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Ma sternly scolded them to be quiet, but they didn’t obey.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins