" sternly "

1: in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering;

  * e.g., " ... sternly reprimanded the prosecuting attorney for making comments that never should have been heard by the jury "

•  Synonyms : 

•  brutally,

•  hard,

•  hardly,

•  harshly,

•  ill,

•  oppressively,

•  roughly,

•  severely,

•  stiffly

•  Antonyms : 

•  clemently,

•  gently,

•  leniently,

•  lightly,

•  mildly,

•  softly

1: given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint;

  * e.g., " ... the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him "

•  Synonyms : 

•  austere,

•  authoritarian,

•  flinty,

•  hard,

•  harsh,

•  heavy-handed,

•  ramrod,

•  rigid,

•  rigorous,

•  severe,

•  strict,

•  tough

•  Antonyms : 

•  clement,

•  forbearing,

•  gentle,

•  indulgent,

•  lax,

•  lenient,

•  tolerant

2: harsh and threatening in manner or appearance;

  * e.g., " ... a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up "

•  Synonyms : 

•  austere,

•  dour,

•  fierce,

•  flinty,

•  forbidding,

•  grim,

•  gruff,

•  intimidating,

•  lowering,

•  rough,

•  rugged,

•  severe,

•  stark,

•  steely,

•  ungentle

•  Antonyms : 

•  benign,

•  benignant,

•  gentle,

•  mild,

•  nonintimidating,

•  tender