1
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
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2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
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3
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
For generations, Californians believed that mountains would save them, that wildfires would not burn over the Sierra Nevada’s austere granite peaks.
—
Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
Efforts to cram the square pegs of the GOP's austere, oligarchic economic agenda into the round holes of an unraveling economy led by an unpopular, unstable autocrat are going to consume most of the next several months even in a best-case scenario for the party.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
For the stern lawyer and detective looks, Diaz created a tight, slick, and equally austere updo.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Departing from this austere nativism, Zibakalam offered instead a deep, comparative study of European and Iranian history, dating back to medieval times.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
Efforts to cram the square pegs of the GOP's austere, oligarchic economic agenda into the round holes of an unraveling economy led by an unpopular, unstable autocrat are going to consume most of the next several months even in a best-case scenario for the party.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
For the stern lawyer and detective looks, Diaz created a tight, slick, and equally austere updo.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Departing from this austere nativism, Zibakalam offered instead a deep, comparative study of European and Iranian history, dating back to medieval times.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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The reporting requirements for school officials who suspect abuse have become stricter in the last 20 years, Pernerewski notes.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
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For instance, while Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert may try to adhere to a strict framing, Mulaney prefers a more meandering format between himself and announcer Richard Kind.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Simultaneously punched out, yet refusing to stay down for the count, a gruff Smith does his actorly best to understand, then diss, his public’s view of the slap heard round the world.—
A.D. Amorosi,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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In a gruff voice, Fino speculated about what besides the mushroom might have caused the disease.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Designed for hiking and other outdoor adventures, these water-resistant pants are made with UPF 50 protection from harsh sun rays along with several spacious, handy pockets.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Mar. 2025
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Where once elephants were used in harsh working conditions, performing tricks or giving rides to tourists, many organizations today are pushing for more humane approaches to wildlife interaction.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While in jail, Dean bonds with Zoro, a grim and mysterious teenage prisoner serving time for murder.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2025
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Americans hold more favorable views of Republicans than Democrats, even as favorability remains grim across the board, according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Martha Stewart and Mila Kunis carried ones that looked like this simple option.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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Pair them with a simple T-shirt to grab a coffee at a cafe.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That’s likely a tough pill to swallow for Gomez, who typically launches her albums at No. 1.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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After some tough matchups in the Trader Joe’s Elite Sweets Tournament, one classic emerged as the champion.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fifteen games have passed since, cementing Deepdale as one of the sternest away trips in the English Football League.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Of course this new yacht features the wide open stern and three-level beach club Bagliettos are known for.—
Bill Springer,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The atmosphere was mostly optimistic throughout Monday — a stark contrast from last season at the Oakland Coliseum, when fans regularly protested and had explicit chants for A’s owner John Fisher.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Rather than a super stark white (which may seem unnaturally light on your waterline), the creamy shade is more understated, giving the appearance of large doe eyes.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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