Entry Word: severity

Function: noun

Meaning: the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) <Jane's parents were legendary for the severity of their discipline — she never got away with so much as a white lie>

Synonyms hardness, harshness, inflexibility, rigidity, rigidness, rigorousness, sternness, strictness

Related Words hardheartedness, implacability, obduracy; dourness, gruffness; asceticism, austerity, monasticism; determination, firmness, resolve, steadfastness; obstinacy, stubbornness

Near Antonyms forbearance, indulgence, kindness, lenience, patience, softness, tenderness, tolerance; responsiveness, willingness; compliance, pliability

Antonyms flexibility, gentleness, laxness, mildness