sternness

noun

Definition of sternnessnext
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) the company's new president has a reputation for granitelike sternness and monkish austerity

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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 sternness Saura had a large sense of the humor, which struck those who got to know him, belying the sternness of his public visage with his playful banter and frequent chuckle. — John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sternness
severity
Noun
  • Following a major hailstorm, for example, connected property intelligence can help carriers quickly assess affected neighborhoods, triage claims based on severity and deploy field resources where they're needed most.
    — David Tobias, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The 24-year-old Italian pulled out of this week’s Cincinnati Open with the same issue, and has been undergoing medical tests in Milan and Turin throughout August to assess its severity.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of severity

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sternmost
sternness
sterns
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Cite this Entry

“Sternness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sternness. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sternness

Nglish: Translation of sternness for Spanish Speakers

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