Dour
Dour adjective - Harsh and threatening in manner or appearance.
Usage example: a dour prison guard who didn't look like he'd be very understanding
Stern is a synonym for dour in austere topic. In some cases you can use "Stern" instead the word "Dour" as an adjective or a noun. popular alternative
Nearby Word: dourly
Stern
Stern adjective - Given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint.
Usage example: the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Dour is a synonym for stern in serious topic. You can use "Dour" instead an adjective "Stern". popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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Odd Friendship: Fun loving, lecherous and hammy mercenary captain Wilhelm, and his stern, dour right hand man Mueller.
Source: Video Game / Suikoden V
Cite this Source
Stern and Dour. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/dour/stern
Dour & Stern. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/dour/stern>.
Stern or Dour. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/dour/stern.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "dour" and "stern" have occurred on timeline