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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stern
Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area
Related Articles
With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest
California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2024
The main pool, located on the yacht’s stern, is set to be one of the largest in the industry at nearly 65 feet long and 18 feet wide.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.
—Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area
Related Articles
With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest
California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
Guests will find plenty of spots for relaxation, too, with a light and airy salon on the main deck, a sizable swim platform at the stern, a plush lounge in the bow, and a scenic bar on the flybridge.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2024
The main pool, located on the yacht’s stern, is set to be one of the largest in the industry at nearly 65 feet long and 18 feet wide.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
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How much does your business rely on trade partners that have strict sustainability expectations?—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
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
-
There’s a gruff and garrulous baseball pitching and hitting machine called Pop Fly (Brian Cox).—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
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In The Empire’s frame, residents of a coastal village in northern France — gruff, virile fisherman Jony (Brandon Vlieghe) and teenage tease Line (Lyna Khoudri) — reveal their oddball allegiance to extraterrestrial invaders.—
Armond White,
National Review,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Delivered in 2022, the yacht has a beam (or width) of about 44 feet and spans three decks, with each one offering a selection of spots to sunbathe, stretch out or enjoy a coffee with a view.—
Katia Damborsky,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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The residence was rebuilt from the ground up using custom beams milled from historic 1900s timbers, providing of charm and character, but state-of-the-art smart home technology has been added for convenience.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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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Trump’s election confirmed, to some on the Left, that the country really was as bad as some of their harshest rhetoric suggested.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Monday night’s fierce winds took it down, damaging the support structures in the process.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The result captures something rarely seen in sports marketing: fierce competitors actively supporting each other’s growth.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.—
Ian Johnson,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
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Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.—
Penny Abeywardena,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Smells like teen spirit As bloody and grim as Greek myths have always been, Santa Monica Studio established even darker trappings with 2005’s God of War.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
22 Mar. 2025
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The grim environment has done little to deter the Canadians from touting their diamond industry and close work with the Indigenous communities where the mines are based.—
Samantha Conti,
WWD,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This likely helped maintain its brand trust during tough times. 8.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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As long as Flagg is on the floor, the Blue Devils will be a tough out.—
Tobias Bass,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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