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.

Issa is solidly built, close-shaved, stern in command but given to bouts of merriment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

"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

The rocket fire had extinguished, though smoking bronze exhaust vents still jutted from the stern.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan