stern

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.

"There's always a time and place for stern words and now we take a breather," Murphy said.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

There was the neatly coiffed hair, the nicely fitting suit, the smartly positioned tie, even the painfully stern expression from a guy who left no doubt who was running the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

While the admission likely resulted in some stern emails hitting a manager’s inbox, it’s ultimately refreshing that a star of Damon’s caliber and influence came out and actually said it.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

William issues his own stern warnings: Sam must never, ever enter the basement writing “sanctuary” in his remote Maine mansion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

I stared into her stern face, the fingers of my left hand turning the picture frame around and around in my skirt pocket.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan