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

Bach’s message will face a stern test as the Summer Games prepare to head to Los Angeles in 2028. —Aleks Klosok, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025

The sternest test of Villa’s credentials arrives in the next round of the Champions League. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Noun

The photos released Saturday by the Navy's Sixth Fleet show a tear on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier, near its stern. —Greg Norman, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025

Be thoroughly entertained: From solo musicians playing background music in the lobby bar to Broadway-type shows on the main stage, entertainment is pretty close to omnipresent from bow to stern. —David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern