Sterner is the comparative form of stern, meaning more severe, strict, or uncompromising.
A sterner warning carries more weight than a mild one.
A sterner judge shows less leniency.
The coach took a sterner approach after the team's losing streak.
1. harsh — stricter, More demanding, less forgiving; tougher (More resistant to damage); harsher (More severe or unkind); severer (More harsh or unsparing); gruffer · rougher · grimmer · crueler · harder
2. unyielding — firmer, More resistant to pressure
3. disciplinary — stricter, More demanding, less forgiving
4. austere — plainer, More unadorned; barer (More uncovered); starker (More severe or bare); bleaker (More devoid of cheer)
Opposites
severity/strictnesssterner ≠ gentler More softly inclined; softer · milder · laxer · looser · kinder
emotional warmth/demeanorsterner ≠ warmer Higher in temperature; gentler · kinder · friendlier · softer · sunnier
Phrases
stern look (Harsh disapproving expression); stern warning (Forceful cautionary statement); from stem to stern (Completely, end to end); made of sterner stuff (Exceptionally resilient in character); Howard Stern; stern father (Strict male parent)
Family
stern, sternly, sternness, astern, sternest
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- Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G