Synonyms for

Stern

Verb / stɜ:n / Another word for stern — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having a harsh or strict manner or attitude

Synonyms & similar words

bum tailend ass hindquarters arse derriere fundament keister unappeasable hindend bottom afterpart tooshie backside rear stark unforgiving stern butt relentless severe fanny grim buns poop severe harsh strict rigid austere unyielding unbending inflexible stringent tough firm resolute uncompromising adamant unrelenting unforgiving unsympathetic unsparing unemotional cold

Synonyms by register

Formal

austere severe rigorous uncompromising

Informal

tough hard-nosed no-nonsense strict

Literary

grim unbending resolute

Antonyms

gentle lenient mild kind easygoing forgiving

Common collocations

  • stern look
  • stern warning
  • stern father
  • stern discipline
  • stern measures
  • stern expression
  • stern voice

Word family

noun sternness
adjective stern
adverb sternly

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

  1. My dad had a stern look on his face when I broke his vase.
  2. The coach gave the players a stern lecture after they lost the game.
  3. The principal had a stern policy against bullying.
  4. The judge gave the criminal a stern sentence.
  5. 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.

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