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
Unforgiving is a synonym for stern in serious topic. In some cases you can use "Unforgiving" instead an adjective "Stern". popular alternative
Unforgiving
Unforgiving adjective - Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty.
Stern is a synonym for unforgiving. You can use "Stern" instead the word "Unforgiving" as an adjective or a noun. popular alternative
Nearby Word: unforgivable
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- Sturgeon, despite the stern and unforgiving image he wants to impart to his students.
Source: Literature / Macdonald Hall -
They were both stern and unforgiving younger sons who are great military men but feel unappreciated, unexpectedly inherit the Iron Throne and both kill a better-liked brother of theirs.
Source: Generation Xerox
Cite this Source
Unforgiving and Stern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 10, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/unforgiving
Stern & Unforgiving. N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/unforgiving>.
Unforgiving or Stern. 2016. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/stern/unforgiving.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "stern" and "unforgiving" have occurred on timeline