stern

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn

Synonyms of stern next

: having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere

: expressive of severe displeasure : harsh

: forbidding or gloomy in appearance

: inexorable

stern necessity

: sturdy, stout

a stern resolve

sternly adverb

sternness

ˈstərn-nəs

noun

stern

2 of 2

noun

: the rear end of a boat

: a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part

Choose the Right Synonym for stern

severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint.

severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

Examples of stern in a Sentence

Adjective He gave me a stern look. the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

Unable to find the individual, Bryan delivered a stern warning instead. —

Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 Montgomery based the story of Anne in part on her own upbringing, after her mother died and her father left her with her stern grandparents in Cavendish on the north shore of the island. —

Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024

Noun

Others are dancing on the sterns of their boats, inviting anyone swimming by to join them for a drink. —

Rob Reed, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Further toward the stern, the swim platform is fitted with fold-out terraces that provide direct access to the sea. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stern

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare

Noun

Middle English, rudder, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn steering, rudder; akin to Old English stīeran to steer — more at steer

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of stern was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

stern

1 of 2 adjective

ˈstərn

: hard and severe in nature or manner

a stern judge

: expressing severe displeasure : harsh

a stern look

: not inviting or attractive : forbidding, grim

: firm and not changeable : stout, resolute

stern determination

sternly adverb

sternness

ˈstərn-nəs

noun

stern

2 of 2 noun

: the rear end of a boat

: a rear part

Biographical Definition

Stern 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈstərn

Isaac 1920–2001 American (Russian-born) violinist

Stern

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Otto 1888–1969 American (German-born) physicist

Last Updated: 30 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

frugal

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

stern

adjective

noun

Synonyms

Examples of stern in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near stern

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Biographical Definition

biographical name (1)

biographical name (2)