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Showing results for austerity. Search instead for austerit.
Definitions

austerity

[aw-ster-i-tee] / ɔˈstɛr ɪ ti /
NOUN
severity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rigor
STRONG
acerbity asperity astringence coldness exactness formality formalness gravity grimness hardness harshness inclemency inflexibility obduracy rigidity seriousness solemnity sternness stiffness strictness stringency
WEAK
exactingness
Antonyms
STRONG
informality kindness mildness unimportance
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness spending
NOUN
refraining; abstinence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
prudence self-discipline
STRONG
abstemiousness asceticism chasteness chastity continence determination economy puritanism self-denial sobriety stoicism strictness temperance
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending
NOUN
grimness, barrenness
Synonyms
STRONG
baldness bareness economy plainness primitiveness rusticism severity simplicity spareness starkness
WEAK
dourness spartanism unadornment
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness 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.

He has implemented major austerity measures — including more than 1,000 layoffs last year — to shore up a gaping budget deficit.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

There were protests as the government introduced austerity measures to try to balance the books.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Today, leaders have learnt that austerity isn’t just unpopular but has also led to weak militaries and crumbling infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Lecornu's centre-right government said last week it would be "impossible" to adopt a 2026 austerity budget by vote.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

“For those of us who take our vow of austerity seriously, conclave is the only time we allow ourselves the luxury of fine food and drink. It reminds us that we’re human.”

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.