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

Behind it all is a Pittsburgh native, you-know-who, head coach Curt Cignetti, the sideline stern face who still glares at his charges like it’s spring practice and someone just dropped two punts a row.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

But Mr. Burke had a stern look about him that made me want to lower my gaze.

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate