stern vs austere

stern is a noun but austere is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
stern	Yes	Yes	No	No
austere	No	Yes	No	No

As adjectives, stern and austere are synonyms defined as:

stern and austere: of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

As adjectives, stern and austere are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of stern include severe, stark.

stern (noun)	austere (noun)
the rear part of a ship
the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

stern (adjective)	austere (adjective)
severe and unremitting in making demands	practicing great self-denial
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty	of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect	severely simple
severely simple