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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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
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4
as in tough
difficult to endure
a severe winter that was among the coldest on record
Synonyms & Similar Words
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5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
a severe test of courage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
Other locations impacted by the severe thunderstorm include Brackett, Allen and Lake Eau Claire County Park.
—
Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
This series of events points to the increasing ferocity of extreme weather—the storms, droughts, floods, fires, and heat waves that, as global warming accelerates, have become more severe and more unpredictable.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
While Parkinson's will eventually affect both sides of the body, one side will generally exhibit more severe symptoms than the other, according to NINDS.
Symptoms of Parkinson's can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowing of spontaneous movement, and problems with gait and balance.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 2025
At least one worker was hospitalized with severe injuries.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
This series of events points to the increasing ferocity of extreme weather—the storms, droughts, floods, fires, and heat waves that, as global warming accelerates, have become more severe and more unpredictable.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
While Parkinson's will eventually affect both sides of the body, one side will generally exhibit more severe symptoms than the other, according to NINDS.
Symptoms of Parkinson's can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowing of spontaneous movement, and problems with gait and balance.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 2025
At least one worker was hospitalized with severe injuries.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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The harsh reality is this: not all cell phone forensic extractions are created equal, and the most important evidence for trucking cases on the smartphone will be gone in days or weeks.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Late-night talk shows across the board are facing the harsh reality that declines in ad revenue can’t make up for burgeoning production costs.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.—
Clay Chandler,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
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The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Surgeries or procedures to prevent aneurysm rupture also carry serious risks.—
Ruth Jessen Hickman,
Health,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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In fact, child therapists have been using play to help kids work through tough toddler milestones inside their offices for decades, Margolin explains.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Some students may face family challenges that affect their ability to get to school, and some changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, such as its move to online instead of paper form, could be difficult for students who only access computers at school, Maldonado said.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Diseases that are difficult to manage without early intervention, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, place a significant burden on health care budgets and patient quality of life.—
Kim Praitano,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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That has meant more children facing immigration judges without lawyers, and stricter screening processes for releases from shelter custody that have prolonged stays to more than five months.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
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Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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