STERNNESS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

sternness

noun

Definition of sternness

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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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

Tyreke Smith had a good month, but the severity of his hamstring injury could make Harris’ path cleaner.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Some recalls, Eskin said, are made after companies’ routine testing catches a pathogen before anyone gets sick, while others involve outbreaks that are already underway and vary widely in size and severity.

— Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of severity

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sternmost

sternness

sterns

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“Sternness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sternness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sternness

noun

Example Sentences

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