2
: morally strict : ascetic
3
: markedly simple or unadorned
an austere office
an austere style of writing
4
: giving little or no scope for pleasure
austere diets
5
of a wine
: having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging
austerely
adverb
austereness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of austere in a Sentence
This is a national conceit that is the comprehensible result of the religious beliefs of the early New England colonists (Calvinist religious dissenters, moved by millenarian expectations and theocratic ideas), which convinced them that their austere settlements in the wilderness represented a new start in humanity's story.
—
William Pfaff, New York Review, 15 Feb. 2007
For many of us with no firsthand familiarity with Greece, it's easy to forget that its celebrated ruins are a distortion and that we behold its ancient culture in its bare-bones lineaments. The austere white buildings of the Acropolis were once painted and parti-colored structures.
—Brad Leithauser, New York Times Book Review, 26 Mar. 2006
I cut off my long dark hair, put on the habit (and it was quite becoming, in an austere sort of way), wrapped a big rosary around my waist, threw the cloak over my shoulders and set out.
—Albert E. Cowdrey, Fantasy & Science Fiction, March 2005
Certain kinds of landscapes—volatile ocean environments, sculpturally seductive alpine peaks, austere polar regions—became infused with what philosopher Edmund Burke called "a sort of delightful horror."
—James Balog, American Photo, May/June 2004
They choose austere furnishings for the office.
He was known for his austere style of writing.
They lived an austere life in the country.
William Pfaff, New York Review, 15 Feb. 2007
For many of us with no firsthand familiarity with Greece, it's easy to forget that its celebrated ruins are a distortion and that we behold its ancient culture in its bare-bones lineaments. The austere white buildings of the Acropolis were once painted and parti-colored structures.
—Brad Leithauser, New York Times Book Review, 26 Mar. 2006
I cut off my long dark hair, put on the habit (and it was quite becoming, in an austere sort of way), wrapped a big rosary around my waist, threw the cloak over my shoulders and set out.
—Albert E. Cowdrey, Fantasy & Science Fiction, March 2005
Certain kinds of landscapes—volatile ocean environments, sculpturally seductive alpine peaks, austere polar regions—became infused with what philosopher Edmund Burke called "a sort of delightful horror."
—James Balog, American Photo, May/June 2004
They choose austere furnishings for the office.
He was known for his austere style of writing.
They lived an austere life in the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Evolution Of Office Design Modern offices are moving away from traditional, austere designs toward more relaxed, home-like environments.
—Dan Drogman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Facing upwards of a $1 billion shortfall, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is proposing an austere budget plan for the next fiscal year that includes widespread spending cuts across state government.
—John Frank, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Even the room feels a little bit rich, with dark walls, glossy wood panelling, and an austere display of sake bottles against the back of the sushi bar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
In the summer, revel in the bounty of flowers and a range of colors, but when the cold weather sets in, don’t be afraid to let your home reflect the austere beauty of winter.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for austere 
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Dan Drogman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Facing upwards of a $1 billion shortfall, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is proposing an austere budget plan for the next fiscal year that includes widespread spending cuts across state government.
—John Frank, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Even the room feels a little bit rich, with dark walls, glossy wood panelling, and an austere display of sake bottles against the back of the sushi bar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
In the summer, revel in the bounty of flowers and a range of colors, but when the cold weather sets in, don’t be afraid to let your home reflect the austere beauty of winter.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for austere
Dictionary Entries Near austere
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/austere. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
austere
adjective
aus·tere
ȯ-ˈsti(ə)r 
1
: stern and unfriendly in appearance and manner
2
: living a harsh life with few pleasures : ascetic
3
: simple sense 4a, unadorned
an austere room
austerely
adverb
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