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
Severe is a synonym for stern in serious topic. In some cases you can use "Severe" instead an adjective "Stern", when it comes to topics like behaviour, harsh, overbearing, austere. popular alternative
Severe
Severe adjective - Given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint.
Usage example: a severe, uncompromising teacher who locked the classroom door precisely when the bell rang and let no one in afterward
Stern is a synonym for severe in strict topic. You can use "Stern" instead the word "Severe" as an adjective or a noun, if it concerns topics such as behaviour, harsh, overbearing, grim. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Severe and Stern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 18, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/severe
Stern & Severe. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/severe>.
Severe or Stern. 2016. Accessed August 18, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/severe.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "stern" and "severe" have occurred on timeline