austere
6 synonyms and 4 antonyms for austere, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ascetic
ascetical
Antonyms
How to use austere
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
austere lifestyle
austere expression
austere interior
Etymology
From Greek austērós ("harsh, bitter"), originally describing the sharp taste of unripe fruit or wine.
Full origin of austere →Frequently asked questions
What does “austere” mean?
The word “austere” means plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration. In plain terms, plain, strict, and stripped of comfort or decoration — whether describing a lifestyle, a room, or a person's manner.
How do you pronounce “austere”?
“Austere” is pronounced o-STEER (/ɔˈstiɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “austere” in a sentence?
Here is “austere” used in a sentence: “The monks lived an austere life with almost no possessions.”
What part of speech is “austere”?
“Austere” is an adjective.
Where does the word “austere” come from?
The word “austere” comes from Greek. From Greek austērós ("harsh, bitter"), originally describing the sharp taste of unripe fruit or wine.
How many meanings does “austere” have?
“Austere” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration.
