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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in tough
difficult to endure
a severe winter that was among the coldest on record
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
a severe test of courage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of severe
Katie Wiseman The National Weather Service expects severe weather to move through central and northern Indiana overnight on March 26.
—
Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
During a recent presentation at the Medicine and Science in Ultra-Endurance Sports conference, Stuempfle cited endotoximea—when molecules normally confined to the GI tract leak into the blood—as a likely cause of severe stomach problems.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport – where wait times swelled to four hours again early Thursday – has seen some of the most severe impacts, along with travel hubs in New York and Atlanta.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The lack of a snowpack will only increase soil moisture deficits, which can make heat waves more severe.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
During a recent presentation at the Medicine and Science in Ultra-Endurance Sports conference, Stuempfle cited endotoximea—when molecules normally confined to the GI tract leak into the blood—as a likely cause of severe stomach problems.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport – where wait times swelled to four hours again early Thursday – has seen some of the most severe impacts, along with travel hubs in New York and Atlanta.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The lack of a snowpack will only increase soil moisture deficits, which can make heat waves more severe.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Unkind words and thoughts from your harshest critic (yourself) are all too common, especially for women, and their effects can diminish mood, confidence and self-esteem while positive ones can have the opposite impact.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Those forces may give the president more leverage in his negotiations, but also risk fueling Tehran's resentment and provoking a harsher response, analysts say.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing except getting into fierce arguments with fellow-Jews, some would say, which Olitzky—who has a round, boyish face and a conciliatory manner—portrayed as a privilege rather than a burden.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
With one-of-a-kind offerings from the likes of Inglenook, Crocker & Starr, Amici Cellars, Peju, Long Meadow Ranch, and a collaboration between Dakota Shy and Detert Family Vineyards, bidding was fierce on Cabernet Franc.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The men had serious criminal convictions and said Cuba would not take them back as a result.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Despite repairs having been made, the billing and collection system still has serious problems.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The real minutes, tough minutes on the road, stressful.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
After those seven players, things get a little tough to project.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Christie acknowledged that the Kings were in a difficult position given their recent schedule injury situation.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Even putting the tank on the ice was more difficult this year.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In response, rental companies are implementing stricter cleaning standards, higher security deposits, and more surveillance.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Still, the driver's age is raising broader policy questions, as some residents are calling for stricter testing requirements for older drivers, including more frequent vision and driving evaluations.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
-
As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Good Friday, observed on Friday, April 3, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of the Christian calendar.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
