sternest
Least likely lenient
Sternest is the superlative of stern—the most severe, strict, or uncompromising.
A judge might issue the sternest possible sentence.
A parent's sternest warning leaves no room for negotiation.
Even his sternest critics acknowledged his integrity.
Extremely thorough and careful
- stringentSeverely exact and demanding
- demandingRequiring great effort
- exactingDemanding great care
- disciplinedHaving strict self-control
meticulous · punctilious · scrupulous · precise · formal · orthodox · firm · uncompromising
Showing no leniency
- mercilessShowing no clemency
- pitilessLacking any compassion
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
cruel · cold · heartless · callous · scathing · cutting · biting · severe
Inspiring fear or unease
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- imposingImpressively grand in scale
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
severe · grim · solemn · grave · austere · stony · flinty · steely-eyed
Exerting strong authority
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- magisterialDomineering and authoritative
- firmSolid or resolute
- forcefulExerting strong pressure
no-nonsense · assertive · domineering · iron-fisted · disciplinarian · taskmaster · schoolmasterly · parental
Refusing to give way
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- resoluteFixed in purpose
unwavering · immovable · unshakeable · tenacious · persistent · staunch · firm · iron-willed
rigorous
Extremely thorough and careful
disciplined · meticulous · punctilious · scrupulous · precise · formal · orthodox · firm · uncompromising · inflexible
unforgiving
Showing no leniency
brutal · cruel · cold · heartless · callous · scathing · cutting · biting · severe · grim
intimidating
Inspiring fear or unease
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- imposingImpressively grand in scale
foreboding · severe · grim · solemn · grave · austere · stony · flinty · steely-eyed · unsmiling
commanding
Exerting strong authority
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- magisterialDomineering and authoritative
- firmSolid or resolute
forceful · no-nonsense · assertive · domineering · iron-fisted · disciplinarian · taskmaster · schoolmasterly · parental · paternal
unyielding
Refusing to give way
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
resolute · unwavering · immovable · unshakeable · tenacious · persistent · staunch · firm · iron-willed · steely