stern
1 of 2adjective
ˈstərn 
1
a
: having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere
b
: expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
2
: forbidding or gloomy in appearance
3
: inexorable
stern necessity
4
: sturdy, stout
a stern resolve
sternly adverb
sternness
ˈstərn-nəs
noun stern
2 of 2noun
1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part
Synonyms
Adjective
- austere
- authoritarian
- flinty
- hard
- harsh
- heavy-handed
- ramrod
- rigid
- rigorous
- severe
- strict
- tough
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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
Darren Franich, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2022 Sheryl Lee Ralph took home a long overdue Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as stern and seasoned teacher Barbara Howard after 44 years of doing it all on TV. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 13 Sep. 2022 Each shining bonnet guarded by stern lance-like leaves. WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Military and security analysts say the operation has demonstrated to the world — and in particular Kyiv’s Western allies — that Putin’s forces are drained and depleted by months of stern Ukrainian resistance. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2022 His voice, clear and confident, is by turns nakedly vulnerable and eerily stern, hovering over a raw and spooky sonic landscape that entwines Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson and David Lynch. Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2022 The eatery is run by stern, world-renowned Chef Slowik (played with quiet severity by Ralph Fiennes) and is located on a remote island somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Her stern expression from this event would later become a meme. Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 The lithium battery packs, which have a capacity of 150 kWh are in two blocks between the engine and stern seating. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2022 BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 The ship broke apart into two main sections, with the bow largely intact and the stern considered in an advanced state of decay. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 1 Sep. 2022 Stem to stern, the GOP is sailing with a full complement of unreconstructed chaos agents. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 20 Aug. 2022 Rodemeyer did the honors with the net and hoisted the fish over the stern. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2022 Outside, the transom door has been fitted with giant windows (again, the clients’ decision) to allow natural light into the beach club in the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 July 2022 The impressive performance is matched with enough volume at the stern for a tender garage capable of storing a Williams 345 SportJet. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2022 The lightest and most technically savvy rowers sit at the two ends—the eight (also known as stroke) and seven seats at the stern, setting the rhythm and pace of the boat, and the two and one seats at the bow keeping the vessel balanced. Kim O'connell, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2022 Christened Ono, the yacht has a wedge-like silhouette with a sharp reverse bow and a sleek superstructure that tapers to the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2022 See More
Adjective
So all the major Na'vi performers are people of color, while the chief authoritarian Earthers are stern Lang and weaselly Giovanni Ribisi. Darren Franich, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2022 Sheryl Lee Ralph took home a long overdue Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as stern and seasoned teacher Barbara Howard after 44 years of doing it all on TV. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 13 Sep. 2022 Each shining bonnet guarded by stern lance-like leaves. WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Military and security analysts say the operation has demonstrated to the world — and in particular Kyiv’s Western allies — that Putin’s forces are drained and depleted by months of stern Ukrainian resistance. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2022 His voice, clear and confident, is by turns nakedly vulnerable and eerily stern, hovering over a raw and spooky sonic landscape that entwines Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson and David Lynch. Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2022 The eatery is run by stern, world-renowned Chef Slowik (played with quiet severity by Ralph Fiennes) and is located on a remote island somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Her stern expression from this event would later become a meme. Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 The lithium battery packs, which have a capacity of 150 kWh are in two blocks between the engine and stern seating. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2022 Noun
The boat does not have an engine and sails using wind power, with maneuvering assistance from a 19-foot yawl boat that pushes against the stern, the website said. BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 The ship broke apart into two main sections, with the bow largely intact and the stern considered in an advanced state of decay. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 1 Sep. 2022 Stem to stern, the GOP is sailing with a full complement of unreconstructed chaos agents. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 20 Aug. 2022 Rodemeyer did the honors with the net and hoisted the fish over the stern. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2022 Outside, the transom door has been fitted with giant windows (again, the clients’ decision) to allow natural light into the beach club in the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 July 2022 The impressive performance is matched with enough volume at the stern for a tender garage capable of storing a Williams 345 SportJet. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2022 The lightest and most technically savvy rowers sit at the two ends—the eight (also known as stroke) and seven seats at the stern, setting the rhythm and pace of the boat, and the two and one seats at the bow keeping the vessel balanced. Kim O'connell, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2022 Christened Ono, the yacht has a wedge-like silhouette with a sharp reverse bow and a sleek superstructure that tapers to the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing stern
Kids Definition
stern 1 of 2
adjective
ˈstərn
sterner; sternest
1
: hard and severe in nature or manner : very strict and serious
a stern judge
a stern warning
2
: showing severe displeasure or disapproval
The elder's stern expression softened. Brian Jacques, Redwall
Brian Jacques, Redwall3
: firm and not changeable
She showed stern determination to succeed.
stern
2 of 2noun
: the rear end of a boat
Biographical Definition
Stern 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
ˈstərn
Isaac 1920–2001 American (Russian-born) violinist
Stern
2 of 2biographical name (2)
Otto 1888–1969 American (German-born) physicist
stern 1 of 2
adjective
1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- strict
- harsh
- authoritarian
- tough
- rigid
- rigorous
- gruff
- severe
- merciless
- relentless
- hardened
- hard
- austere
- flinty
- steadfast
- ramrod
- relentless
- demanding
- unbending
- heavy-handed
- implacable
- adamant
- pitiless
- uncompromising
- dour
- stiff
- unforgiving
- unyielding
- exacting
- unrelenting
- bullying
- determined
- callous
- inflexible
- unsparing
- unflinching
- ascetic
- uncharitable
- immovable
- obstinate
- browbeating
- adamantine
- monkish
- rock-ribbed
- hard-hearted
- firm
- dogged
- hard-line
- ossified
- monastic
- resolved
- single-minded
- intractable
- ascetical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- gentle
- lenient
- lax
- indulgent
- tolerant
- forbearing
- mild
- easy
- easygoing
- clement
- merciful
- soft
- kind
- patient
- softhearted
- undemanding
- charitable
- accepting
- responsive
- laid-back
- yielding
- flexible
- willing
- complaisant
- compliant
- compromising
- acquiescent
- agreeable
- pliant
- pliable
- amenable
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up Synonyms & Similar Words
- gruff
- fierce
- intimidating
- grim
- rugged
- forbidding
- hostile
- severe
- dour
- ungentle
- bleak
- rough
- stark
- steely
- lowering
- austere
- flinty
- stubborn
- hardened
- somber
- cold
- resolute
- dark
- louring
- solemn
- unbending
- rigid
- unflinching
- steadfast
- stiff
- moody
- black
- implacable
- determined
- uncompromising
- obstinate
- unsympathetic
- adamant
- unyielding
- unfriendly
- unrelenting
- bound
- sullen
- unsmiling
- firm
- obdurate
- purposeful
- inflexible
- intent
- serious
- sulky
- mulish
- humorless
- willful
- inhospitable
- hardheaded
- inimical
- fixed
- surly
- morose
- immovable
- cheerless
- melancholy
- set
- resolved
- joyless
- brooding
- unchangeable
- gloomy
- melancholic
- glum
- grave
- immutable
- staid
- hard
- wilful
- sober
- weighty
- self-willed
- sombre
- ironhanded
- sobersided
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- gentle
- mild
- benign
- meek
- tender
- soft
- benignant
- mellow
- quiet
- soothing
- bland
- easy
- cheerful
- sweet
- tranquil
- bright
- pleasant
- agreeable
- pleasing
- playful
- nonintimidating
- merry
- inviting
- lighthearted
- mirthful
- goofy
- happy
- sunny
- glad
- silly
- frivolous
- flighty
- giddy
- scatterbrained
- harebrained
- featherbrained
- light-headed
stern
2 of 2noun
as in beam
Synonyms & Similar Words
- beam
- haunches
- rear
- posterior
- backside
- tail
- behind
- fanny
- rump
- butt
- hunkers
- breech
- cheeks
- bum
- fundament
- tail end
- rear end
- seat
- caboose
- tush
- heinie
- buttocks
- duff
- derriere
- nates
- booty
- bootie
- buns
- keister
- hams
- bottom
- keester
- derrière
- moon
- can
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.
stern arbiters of public morality
In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.
the ascetic life of the monks
The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, 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
While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.
severe military discipline