Antonyms for stern

Grammar : Adj

Spell : sturn

Phonetic Transcription : stɜrn

Definition of stern

Origin : Old English styrne "severe, strict," from Proto-Germanic *sternijaz (cf. Middle High German sterre, German starr "stiff," störrig "obstinate;" Gothic andstaurran "to be stiff;" Old Norse stara; Old English starian "to look or gaze upon"), from PIE root *ster-, *star- "be rigid" (see sterile).

adj serious, authoritarian

Example sentences :

Stern displeasure was visible in the countenance of the great sculptor.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

Close by the stern stood Black Simon with the pennon of the house of Loring.
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Castle of Villefranche was harsh and stern as its master.
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

Yet, measured according to the stern standards of adversity, Mary was fortunate.
Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

The veteran at the stern we could not see, but doubtless his skill was equally remarkable.
Extract from : « The Roof of France » by Matilda Betham-Edwards

Artists say that by their stern canons she is a perfect woman.
Extract from : « The Bacillus of Beauty » by Harriet Stark

How stern a moral may be drawn from the story of poor Sam Patch!
Extract from : « Sketches from Memory » by Nathaniel Hawthorne

It at once aroused all that was stern in his nature—to have such a coward offer him an insult.
Extract from : « Ridgeway » by Scian Dubh

The stern self-control had stolen something of the tenderness from her lips.
Extract from : « Dust » by Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius

Stern as Captain Campbell seemed, the loss of his son was irreparable.
Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 5 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth

Synonyms for stern

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019