adjective
- comparative form of stern; more strict, severe, or demanding
Examples
- The new principal took a sterner approach to discipline.
- Her father became sterner after she broke curfew.
- The coach gave the team a sterner warning about missing practice.
- The judge imposed sterner penalties for repeat offenders.
- She needed sterner measures to control her spending.
- The teacher’s sterner tone made the students pay attention.