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
Bergoglio the priest and archbishop As a Jesuit living under a vow of poverty, Bergoglio led a humble and austere life, forgoing even the slightest of luxuries.
—
Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
According to the reviews of the time, Rookwood Pottery mixed the industrial with the funky and the austere.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford, meanwhile, commissioned Ando to build an austere, geometric masterpiece on his sprawling Cerro Pelon Ranch in New Mexico.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
These drones can be deployed without additional infrastructure or equipment, even in austere environments – offering a game-changing toolset for warfighters.
—David Szondy
june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
According to the reviews of the time, Rookwood Pottery mixed the industrial with the funky and the austere.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford, meanwhile, commissioned Ando to build an austere, geometric masterpiece on his sprawling Cerro Pelon Ranch in New Mexico.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
These drones can be deployed without additional infrastructure or equipment, even in austere environments – offering a game-changing toolset for warfighters.
—David Szondy
june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for austere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere
Adjective
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For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Anna Marson, a former Tuscany regional minister who now teaches urban planning at a university in Venice, was closely involved in putting forward a plan to impose stricter environmental regulations on the region’s marble quarries in 2014.—
Meara Sharma,
The Dial,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
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On the other hand, the 73-year-old Belichick’s gruff persona, with his monosyllabic utterances at news conferences, has become the stuff of legend.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Late-night talk shows across the board are facing the harsh reality that declines in ad revenue can’t make up for burgeoning production costs.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
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The harsh reality is this: not all cell phone forensic extractions are created equal, and the most important evidence for trucking cases on the smartphone will be gone in days or weeks.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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While McArthur was being interviewed by investigators, search teams made a grim discovery: a portion of a human skull was found sticking out of the ground, encased in concrete and potting soil.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
19 July 2025
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The grim task, using strategies including hand-sifting and specific diving techniques, is expected to drag on for months.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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This involves flexible decision making beyond simple automation.—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Stellantis' loss, versus a 5.6 billion euro net profit a year earlier, underscores the tough challenges for new CEO Antonio Filosa, who was appointed in May after a disastrous performance in the company's crucial U.S. market in 2024 forced the ouster of former boss Carlos Tavares.—
Giulio Piovaccari,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
18 July 2025
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Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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Trouble is, that stark premium does not reflect growth in the fund’s NAV.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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That's a stark contrast from typical wait times for a new patient appointment at other types of clinics, which can average more than a month.—
Sarah Volpenhein,
jsonline.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Austere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/austere. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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