Definitions

sternly

[sturn-lee] / ˈstɜrn li /

ADVERB

seriously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

actively earnestly passionately sincerely vigorously

STRONG

gravely

WEAK

all joking aside cool it cut the comedy determinedly down fervently for real in all conscience in all seriousness in earnest intently purposefully resolutely sedately simmer down soberly solemnly straighten out thoughtfully with a straight face with forethought with sobriety zealously

Antonyms

WEAK

casually funnily lightly minor trivially

ADVERB

severely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acutely badly critically dangerously extremely firmly markedly painfully seriously sharply sorely strictly

STRONG

gravely hard

WEAK

hardly intensely rigorously roughly with an iron hand

Antonyms

STRONGEST

mildly

WEAK

compassionately lightly

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.

"When you have lightning less than three miles away that’s a mandatory evacuation," a US Secret Service officer said sternly to a family that was protesting.

From Barron's • Jul. 5, 2026

Coming down sternly against the fake judgements, the top court last Friday stayed the lower court's order on the property dispute.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Faithful ally Eric Nam sternly points out to him that his rants are throwing off everyone else’s game.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

“The Insider” details these events sternly but with evident reluctance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

The detention aide got up from her desk and sternly warned us, “Mr. McClaren and Miss Gaither,” to be on our best behavior while she left the room for a few minutes.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

sternly

Example Sentences

Related Words