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Showing results for austerity.
Definitions

austerity

[aw-ster-i-tee] / ɔˈstɛr ɪ ti /
NOUN
severity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rigor
STRONG
acerbity asperity astringence coldness exactness formality formalness gravity grimness hardness harshness inclemency inflexibility obduracy rigidity seriousness solemnity sternness stiffness strictness stringency
WEAK
exactingness
Antonyms
STRONG
informality kindness mildness unimportance
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness spending
NOUN
refraining; abstinence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
prudence self-discipline
STRONG
abstemiousness asceticism chasteness chastity continence determination economy puritanism self-denial sobriety stoicism strictness temperance
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending
NOUN
grimness, barrenness
Synonyms
STRONG
baldness bareness economy plainness primitiveness rusticism severity simplicity spareness starkness
WEAK
dourness spartanism unadornment
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending

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.

The unrest began in December 2018, when Bashir introduced austerity measures to address a deepening economic crisis.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

What bankers appear to be calling for is not stimulus or austerity but balance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Continued disruption would have worsened fuel supplies, driven up prices and forced further austerity measures for the cash-strapped government.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

When austerity later gutted treatment funding, outcomes reversed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

And now she wept, after her long austerity, as though she would never be able to stop.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing austerity

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "A"

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Grade 12, List 6

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