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

Example 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 But officials at the church, a seminal location of the Revolutionary War, painted over the angels in 1912 with thick coats of white paint, part of an austere renovation that restorationists are trying to reverse. —

Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 The results, which are beautifully austere, flooded by sunlight but somehow cold, infuriate Van Buren, played with a masculine bluster by Guy Pearce, who sounds as if his idea of the Breakfast of Champions was a bowl of ground glass drowned in whole milk. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 After studying art in London, Auerbach painted city scenes (mostly bomb damage and building sites) and austere portraits, which evoke the anxiety and horror of the mid-century. —

The Week Uk, theweek, 29 Dec. 2024 The unit can engage in operations such as strike, air and missile defense, as well as naval surface warfare in austere, temporary locations ashore within contested maritime spaces. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere

Adjective

His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen.

— The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Ask what one thing matters most, hide your phone away, take everything outside, create strict boundaries, and make health your edge.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025