Synonyms for
Stern
Definition
having a harsh or strict manner or attitude
Synonyms & similar words
ass
backside
hindquarters
relentless
keister
tailend
stern
rear
derriere
fundament
rearend
unforgiving
posterior
bottom
afterpart
rump
butt
hindend
buttocks
stark
nates
arse
grim
unrelenting
exacting
severe
harsh
strict
rigid
austere
unyielding
unbending
inflexible
stringent
tough
firm
resolute
uncompromising
adamant
unrelenting
unforgiving
unsympathetic
unsparing
unemotional
cold
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- stern look
- stern warning
- stern father
- stern discipline
- stern measures
- stern expression
- stern voice
Word family
Usage note
Primarily used to describe a person's demeanor or expression, implying seriousness and a lack of leniency. Can also refer to the rear part of a ship.
Example sentences
- My dad had a stern look on his face when I broke his vase.
- The coach gave the players a stern lecture after they lost the game.
- The principal had a stern policy against bullying.
- The judge gave the criminal a stern sentence.
- The boss had a stern rule about being on time for work.
Quotes
A soft refusal is not always taken, but a stern one is seldom forgotten.
A stern discipline pervades all nature, which is a little cruel that it may be very kind.
A stern, a sad, a darkly meditative; a distrustful soul, that had lost faith in itself and in all things.