Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

sternly

[sturn-lee] / ˈstɜrn li /




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Mendel Uminer, a translator, scholar and literary-journal publisher, did not have a Collyer situation when he received a sternly worded letter from his building’s management company.

From Salon Jul. 23, 2026

"When you have lightning less than three miles away that’s a mandatory evacuation," a US Secret Service officer said sternly to a family that was protesting.

From Barron's Jul. 5, 2026

Coming down sternly against the fake judgements, the top court last Friday stayed the lower court's order on the property dispute.

From BBC Mar. 3, 2026

But Mr. Lanthimos’s vision is sternly compelling, and “Bugonia” is that exceptional movie that’s extremely hard to forget.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 23, 2025

"We are going into the unknown," she said sternly, "And time is precious. We cannot afford to miss a chance to speed our way. Who knows Sheba best?"

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training