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.

Cox initially had a three strike rule for customers, but Sony alleged the company watered down its consequences for infringers to just a stern warning over time.

From The Wall Street Journal

She glanced at Father, and into those stern eyes crept the nearest thing to a twinkle I had ever seen.

From Literature

Dubai police issued stern warnings against sharing content that causes public panic or contradicts official announcements.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Jeff,” said Mrs. Tracy, glancing over at him with a frown and eyes that were stern and dark.

From Literature

Cerundolo provided a sterner test in the second set as he broke Draper's serve in the opening game.

From BBC

stern

Example Sentences

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