AUSTERE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'austere' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic , severe , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: When is 'ascetic' a more appropriate choice than 'austere'?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'severe' instead of 'austere'?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: When could 'stern' be used to replace 'austere'?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir

Definition of austere next

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spartan

providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective austere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is ascetic a more appropriate choice than austere?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When is it sensible to use severe instead of austere?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could stern be used to replace austere?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of austere The team is trained in high angle ropes, tree climbing, and austere environment training, which includes map reading, terrain analysis, risk mitigation, and first aid. —

Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 13 Oct. 2024 Berger wanted the Santa Marta to be austere, with a prison-like feel as a nod to Rome’s fascist period. —

Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 Floor-to-ceiling windows mean that 94% of the 16-resident facility (which also has an extensive outpatient program) offers views of hills and mountains, a stark contrast to typically austere clinics. —

Jeff Wilser, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Where the Rolex Daytona was almost austere, the Tudor was brash and bold, with interesting shapes and splashes of color. —

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere

Adjective

About half of states have laws targeting transgender health care, but Tennessee’s is among the strictest.

Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Nov. 2024
Many welcome Trump’s more strict immigration policy.

Kristen Taketa, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024