austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir How to pronounce austere (audio)
Definition of austerenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective austere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," 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

When is ascetic a more appropriate choice than austere?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When is it sensible to use severe instead of austere?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could stern be used to replace austere?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of austere The 19-foot statues, called The Arts of War, were once easy to miss but now look a bit like oversized children’s trophies, especially next to the classical and austere Lincoln Memorial. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 Women are driving and playing a greater role in the workforce — part of a relaxation of the previous enforcement of a particularly austere interpretation of Islam. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 In an almost level spot at the foot of the cliff was a gnarled fir that had found a pocket of rich volcanic soil in that austere place. — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026 Faivre’s utmost goal was changing the villa’s large, austere spaces into welcoming living areas—all while still respecting the building’s original, Brutalist vision. — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
  1. strict
  2. gruff
  3. spartan
  4. harsh
  5. grim
  6. simple
  7. tough
  8. stern
Adjective
  • YouTube was the holdout, and its stricter definition was one reason a YouTube view carried a premium in creator pricing conversations.
    — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • However, there are strict limits on how long most negative information can be reported.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • When Duffy walked out humbly to the stage, with a gentle handwave and smile, Dupree removed his cap atop his long rocker ponytail, put his gruff hand on Duffy’s lean shoulder and asked the crowd for a moment of silence.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Tyler Hoechlin will play her love interest, Brendan, a gruff fishing boat captain.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • But as days turn to weeks, and a spartan Christmas gives way to a very unhappy new year, the family must consider the possibility that this is a grim new normal.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The rooms might be described as spartan, but alcohol flowed freely, sports and activities were abundant, and stays were eminently affordable.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of spartan
Adjective
  • The documentary spotlighted some harsh criticisms of the show and of Banks.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Now, amid the harsh reality of NBA life for those on the fringes, Thompson is off to the security of a contract in Serbia, to play in the EuroLeague.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh Penguins fans never stop traveling for road games, even when times are grim.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Lee wanted to get back on stage from the moment the band said goodbye in August of 2015, but confirming the tour meant many months of grim-faced work.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For a generation that grew up under those glowing Pizza Hut pendants, the appeal is simple.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • With men on first and third and nobody out that inning, second baseman Jackson Holliday fielded a tough grounder and threw to second, but shortstop Gunnar Henderson dropped the ball for an error and everyone was safe.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As for footwear sales in the region, the second quarter saw a slowdown of sales of high-heat product, alongside tougher comparatives and ongoing softness in end-of-cycle footwear product lines.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • There, her stern Granny and poised Aunt Helen (Genevieve O’Reilly) are horrified by her lack of refinement and her indifference about finding a respectable husband.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to a stern, demanding father, the boy is further plagued by a sudden physical instability, requiring an iron body brace that keeps him ramrod-straight.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern

Browse Nearby Words

auspiciously
austere
austerely
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Cite this Entry

“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of austere for Spanish Speakers

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