Synonyms of austere

austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• harsh
• tough
• authoritarian
• rigorous
• rigid
• stern
• severe
• hard
• gruff
• relentless
• flinty
• hardened
• merciless
• steadfast
• heavy-handed
• demanding
• ramrod
• ascetic
• dour
• unforgiving
• uncompromising
• pitiless
• adamant
• exacting
• inflexible
• unbending
• implacable
• stiff
• unrelenting
• monastic
• callous
• unyielding
• hard-line
• unsparing
• adamantine
• monkish
• ascetical
• uncharitable
• immovable
• ossified
• determined
• bullying
• unflinching
• hard-hearted
• intractable
• rock-ribbed
• obstinate
• dogged
• single-minded
• resolved
• firm
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• indulgent
• lax
• lenient
• easy
• tolerant
• mild
• easygoing
• undemanding
• forbearing
• soft
• kind
• charitable
• patient
• merciful
• clement
• accepting
• laid-back
• responsive
• agreeable
• willing
• flexible
• yielding
• softhearted
• amenable
• compliant
• complaisant
• acquiescent
• pliant
• pliable
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• grim
• stern
• rugged
• fierce
• intimidating
• bleak
• forbidding
• hostile
• stark
• severe
• dour
• rough
• steely
• flinty
• somber
• cold
• dark
• hardened
• lowering
• stubborn
• ungentle
• louring
• moody
• solemn
• inhospitable
• black
• resolute
• rigid
• unfriendly
• stiff
• uncompromising
• steadfast
• unflinching
• inimical
• unsympathetic
• inflexible
• unbending
• implacable
• unrelenting
• adamant
• purposeful
• sombre
• obdurate
• unyielding
• determined
• wilful
• cheerless
• gloomy
• obstinate
• joyless
• morose
• bound
• sullen
• melancholy
• serious
• melancholic
• willful
• immovable
• unsmiling
• humorless
• staid
• hard
• intent
• resolved
• firm
• brooding
• hardheaded
• fixed
• glum
• unchangeable
• sober
• mulish
• immutable
• surly
• sulky
• self-willed
• weighty
• grave
• set
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• gentle
• benign
• bland
• soft
• mellow
• quiet
• meek
• benignant
• tender
• easy
• soothing
• tranquil
• pleasant
• sweet
• agreeable
• cheerful
• bright
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• sunny
• inviting
• merry
• happy
• lighthearted
• mirthful
• frivolous
• playful
• silly
• glad
• goofy
• giddy
• scatterbrained
• harebrained
• flighty
• featherbrained
• light-headed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spartan
• simple
• stark
• no-frills
• unadorned
• plain
• undecorated
• unfancy
• unelaborate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• luxurious
• plush
• deluxe
• luxe
• fancy
• elaborate
• decorated
• Lucullan
• Lucullian
• adorned

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

Recent Examples of austere

But even with her film successes and her spirit, Ann-Margret largely wasn’t treated as anything beyond box office by the larger austere film community in the 1960s. —Rance Collins, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2025

This first example of the CCT Cafer Racer feels authentically austere—and is all the better for it. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 30 July 2025

The understatement of the brand is meant to reflect the austere façades of Milanese buildings, which hide rich and opulent interiors and beautiful courtyards and gardens. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 July 2025

His comments come despite bipartisan criticism and news reports suggesting the agency was slow to act and that the Trump administration’s austere policies delayed response times. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 July 2025