Definitions

stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /

ADJECTIVE

serious, authoritarian

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flinty grim hard-nosed harsh rigid steely strict tough

STRONG

ascetic astringent bitter forbidding rough

WEAK

austere bullheaded by the book cruel disciplinary dyed-in-the-wool frowning hang-tough hard hard-boiled hard-core hard-line hard-shell hardheaded implacable inexorable inflexible mortified mulish relentless rigorous severe stiff-necked stubborn unrelenting unsparing unyielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy flexible gentle kind lenient nice soft yielding

STRONG

bland mild

WEAK

cheerful funny light smiling tolerant

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.

This paradox comes to life as Ms. Stern observes robots vying to become the next Rosey from “The Jetsons.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

In October 2024, Peloton announced that Stern would become the new CEO.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

NBC News recently announced an innovative deal with tech journalist Joanna Stern.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

“You can’t call a peak using traditional inventory math,” said William Stern, CEO and founder of small-business lender Cardiff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Back in the room, I knew I was in for a Stern Dad talking-to, so I did my best to disarm him before he could start in on me.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Vocabulary lists containing stern

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"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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List 6

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