Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for austere. Search instead for justera.
Definitions

austere

[aw-steer] / ɔˈstɪər /
ADJECTIVE
severe in manner
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exacting forbidding formal rigid sober somber stringent
WEAK
ascetic astringent cold earnest grave grim hard harsh inexorable inflexible obdurate rigorous serious solemn stern stiff strict unfeeling unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
flexible
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending
ADJECTIVE
refraining; abstinent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sober subdued
WEAK
abstemious ascetic chaste continent economical puritanical self-denying self-disciplined straitlaced strict unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excited
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending
ADJECTIVE
grim, barren
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bleak rustic stark subdued unadorned
WEAK
bald bare bare-bones clean dour plain primitive severe simple spare spartan unembellished vanilla
Antonyms
WEAK
bland calm elaborate encouraging extravagant gentle indulgent luxurious meek mild spending

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.

Books, music and cushions are popular recommendations, standing in contrast to the more austere guidance from Israeli authorities, which includes having a radio, batteries, a phone charger and ID papers.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

She expressed approval of the conditions - warm even in the sub-zero temperatures that Denmark was experiencing, but basic bordering on austere.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

“Mise en place,” French for everything in its place, sounds austere, but the practice itself is anything but.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

The grim economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public events as well as religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

I grow out my high school bangs and pin my hair back off my face, hoping to look austere.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood