Synonyms of stern

stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn 

1

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beam
• rear
• haunches
• posterior
• backside
• tail
• cheeks
• rump
• butt
• behind
• seat
• rear end
• tail end
• breech
• bum
• fanny
• caboose
• buttocks
• fundament
• duff
• nates
• booty
• buns
• derriere
• hams
• bootie
• tush
• hunkers
• heinie
• bottom
• derrière
• keester
• keister
• moon
• can

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, 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 severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

The story gets raucous laughter from his comrades, except for one person: Jeffrey Wright’s stern, humorless Isaac Dixon. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 May 2025

Kristen Doute is giving Jax Taylor a stern warning! —Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025

Noun

Photo : Lagoon Yachts Lagoon 60 The new Lagoon 60’s aft cockpit bears a close resemblance to a power cat, with a large open stern, foldout transom, and facing lounges that run forward to the main cabin, which is defined by natural light, thanks to the glass. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025

There’s also one in the stern, which Paczkowski has revamped to seamlessly connect to the beach club, the aft platform, and the main deck. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern