1
as in harsh
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a severe, uncompromising teacher who locked the classroom door precisely when the bell rang and let no one in afterward
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Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
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3
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial
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4
as in tough
difficult to endure
a severe winter that was among the coldest on record
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5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
a severe test of courage
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
Historically, the country has experienced destructive earthquakes, including the 1967 Caracas earthquake, which killed hundreds and caused severe damage in the capital.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The event occurred inland (not under the ocean) and caused severe damage, at least one death, and more than a hundred injuries.
—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Inside the emergency department of Silver Cross Hospital that Monday, doctors and nurses were bracing for severe weather fallout, not something soft and cuddly.
—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the Kansas City area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
—
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The event occurred inland (not under the ocean) and caused severe damage, at least one death, and more than a hundred injuries.
—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Inside the emergency department of Silver Cross Hospital that Monday, doctors and nurses were bracing for severe weather fallout, not something soft and cuddly.
—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the Kansas City area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
—
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
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What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
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The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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Aviation experts said those conditions would have been difficult to navigate that evening when the helicopter, a Robinson R66, crashed in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area.
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But traffic on the waterway remains a fraction of pre-war levels with different authorities vying to organize the transit of vessels, leaving operators with a difficult choice over which path to take.
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
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Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Adjective
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My wish also is that soloists cease all their vocal theatrics, which only distort and cheapen the solemn rendition of our anthem.
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The solemn observance honored the victims, survivors and first responders involved in the unprecedented search and recovery effort.
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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