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Showing results for austerity.
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.

What bankers appear to be calling for is not stimulus or austerity but balance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Leaving the refuge, the vibrant color palette and moisture give way to muted browns and the returning austerity of desert air.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

With more dollars available, lenders could expand loans and export credit, boosting growth and easing some of the pain from the government’s austerity measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 29, 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

Vocabulary lists containing austerity

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "A"

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Grade 12, List 6

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