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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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
Lenox’s management style is austere, and her approach to patient care is based strictly on the medicine, not emotion, creating tension with several docs and nurses.
—
Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
But, even despite it all, the ICA Boston nailed down an aesthetic that Scofidio and his partners would popularize in the years to come: sleek but not too sleek, with heavy, minimalist forms that do not feel austere.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Don’t Miss: The nearby Volcanic Tablelands, named for a cataclysmic volcanic eruption 750,000 years ago, draws rock climbers for its fantastic bouldering and desert rats for the austere landscape and petroglyph sites.
—Jenna Blough, Outside Online, 8 Apr. 2025
On or just before March 24, a quartet of Russian helicopters—two Mil Mi-8 transports and two Kamov Ka-52 gunships—landed at an austere base somewhere in Belgorod Oblast in western Russia.
—David Axe, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
But, even despite it all, the ICA Boston nailed down an aesthetic that Scofidio and his partners would popularize in the years to come: sleek but not too sleek, with heavy, minimalist forms that do not feel austere.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Don’t Miss: The nearby Volcanic Tablelands, named for a cataclysmic volcanic eruption 750,000 years ago, draws rock climbers for its fantastic bouldering and desert rats for the austere landscape and petroglyph sites.
—Jenna Blough, Outside Online, 8 Apr. 2025
On or just before March 24, a quartet of Russian helicopters—two Mil Mi-8 transports and two Kamov Ka-52 gunships—landed at an austere base somewhere in Belgorod Oblast in western Russia.
—David Axe, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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For many kids, this is about just expressing themselves, rather than strict communication, Estevez says.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2025
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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This garment gets exposed to harsher conditions than most clothing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.—
Jordan-Marie Smith,
NPR,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Sitting in on India press conferences can often be a bit grim, carefully orchestrated by the team's hierarchy and little is usually given to their hungry press corps.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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India claims to have targeted militant infrastructure, but the reality is grim: at least 26 Pakistani civilians -including women and a young child were reported killed in the strikes.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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Style them with a simple tank for a casual day out, or add a blazer and ballet flats for a more polished airport look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2025
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Experts say these are all the benefits of this simple exercise Is Zone 2 cardio best for fat loss?—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Last year’s drought conditions that extended into late fall combined with very windy winter conditions and frozen soils were tough for some evergreens.—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
10 May 2025
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Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administration’s past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The content thrives in stark contrast to the dark online world of the manosphere and offers an alternative to misogyny (awesome, right?).—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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Through multiple social media posts, Richard drew attention to the stark contrast between his own training gear and the conditions faced by athletes at Clon Circus.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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