Synonyms of severity

severity

noun

sə-ˈver-ə-tē 

as in hardness

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardness
• strictness
• sternness
• rigidity
• harshness
• stringency
• inflexibility
• rigidness
• resolve
• rigor
• rigorousness
• determination
• exactingness
• gruffness
• callousness
• firmness
• implacability
• obduracy
• dourness
• steadfastness
• pitilessness
• hard-heartedness
• stubbornness
• obstinacy
• monasticism
• obdurateness
• asceticism
• austereness
• austerity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexibility
• tolerance
• gentleness
• tenderness
• patience
• softness
• kindness
• mildness
• indulgence
• willingness
• forbearance
• laxness
• responsiveness
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of severity

The event rattled researchers and executives across the industry, who have widely agreed about its severity. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Players who receive a red can still be suspended for the next game/games, depending on the severity of the infraction. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Officers and paramedics reportedly applied a tourniquet to the male victim's wounds before he was transported to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 21 July 2026

So consider the size and severity of scratches and markings, as well as the item’s price. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026