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.

She earns her nickname because of an innate “loftiness” that makes her “stately and stern but present.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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

Hearts were stunned by the sucker punch from Yang, but these guys are made of stern stuff.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

“You two need to go back to your dorm with the rest of the cadets,” Callaway said, his voice uncharacteristically stern.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin