1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs
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3
as in spartan
providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious
for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of austere
Franco is the heir apparent to the Michael Haneke world of unsettled, austere psychological pain against geopolitical backdrops onscreen, and Chastain is more game than ever to play along with his hopeless world.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
This includes an unexpected romance between Da-Eun and rival Chozen after a crazy night in Barcelona, unlocking a softer and more feminine side to the austere Da-Eun.
—Laura Sirikul, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Bryant Wehmeyer, from the farming town of Jamaica, Iowa, described his childhood as austere and unforgiving.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The structure is neat and austere; the emotion is not.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
This includes an unexpected romance between Da-Eun and rival Chozen after a crazy night in Barcelona, unlocking a softer and more feminine side to the austere Da-Eun.
—Laura Sirikul, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Bryant Wehmeyer, from the farming town of Jamaica, Iowa, described his childhood as austere and unforgiving.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The structure is neat and austere; the emotion is not.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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But in fact, some parents warn against helicopter parenting, and strict parenting can actually result in more rebellious kids.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2025
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However, the movie’s framing has widespread contemporary resonance, and an enormous overlap with how trans issues are discussed, particularly in how individuals who deviate from strict gender norms are so readily demonized by others.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The gruff but beloved Hackman was among the most accomplished actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.—
Susan Montoya Bryan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Ford’s actually relatively locked-in as the gruff but supportive Colonel Graff training the impressionable Ender (Asa Butterfield), who has to save the universe as all lads in these types of films tend to do.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Each of our pieces is a symbol of resilience, proving that creativity can thrive even under the harshest circumstances.—
Gemma A. Williams,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The result is that every year, the Palestinian reality gets grimmer.—
Noa Tishby,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2025
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In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that the Egyptian proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction does not reflect the grim realities on the ground.—
Efrat Lachter,
Fox News,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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All of this is a vaguely long-winded way of making a simple point — the outlook for Wolves’ defence has changed dramatically over the course of this season.—
Steve Madeley,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Combining crisp water, sun-dappled shade, and the simple pleasure of drifting with the current creates the perfect recipe for vacation memories.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Another really tough stretch is ahead for the Heat.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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The only trick: Choose a dye that’s gentle on the hair, tough on grays, and easy to apply.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area Related Articles With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The sky was a pretty pink and purple, a stark contrast to the death chamber's florescent lights, gray firing squad chair and block walls that reminded me of a 1970s doctor's office.—
Jeffrey Collins,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2025
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In the gallery, the small photos hang in stark black frames, tracing resistance to oppression, discrimination and inequality over 100 years.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
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