stern

Trump's Republican Party faces a stern test at upcoming midterm elections in November, with Democrats seeking to wrest control of both houses of Congress.

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 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

Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were "given stern warnings" concerning alleged offences under two laws that restrict the public display of foreign flags and regulate political expressions at public events.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026

Despite his low key style, he proved capable of delivering stern warnings to the UK's enemies.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

The soldier stepped back, but his face was stern.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

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 destroyers increased their own speed to 30 knots, began running a zigzag course, and kept their narrow sterns to the approaching blips.

From Time Magazine Archive

They are long, with pointed sterns and elaborately painted bodies.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

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

After the seven-time champion produced a statement performance against former top-10 player Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, Djokovic had to overcome a far sterner test on his return to Centre Court.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

Rosenior will face a sterner test in his first home game on Wednesday when Chelsea host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

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

“Calm yerself, Matthew,” Hildy says, sterner than I’d want her to.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

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

The challenge comes just as investors’ appetite for risk, and sentiment regarding tech stocks, face their sternest tests since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.

From Barron's ● Feb. 5, 2026

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

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2025

The principal nodded slightly but gave his sternest look before asking for one hundred dollars.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty