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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severity
As concentrations of heat-trapping gasses accumulate in the atmosphere, both the frequency and severity of heat waves increase.
—
Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 2025
The intense rainfall that sent floodwaters coursing through central Texas last week and surprised even some Texas officials with the severity has brought into stark focus the challenge of forecasting the most severe storms and what even the best weather models can’t deliver.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 8 July 2025
How Long Does Recovery From A Groin Strain Take?
The recovery period depends on the grade and severity.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
When comparing 80-degree Fahrenheit days to days in the 40s, there was a 40 to 45% increase in the frequency or severity of sleep apnea.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 2025
The intense rainfall that sent floodwaters coursing through central Texas last week and surprised even some Texas officials with the severity has brought into stark focus the challenge of forecasting the most severe storms and what even the best weather models can’t deliver.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 8 July 2025
How Long Does Recovery From A Groin Strain Take?
The recovery period depends on the grade and severity.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
When comparing 80-degree Fahrenheit days to days in the 40s, there was a 40 to 45% increase in the frequency or severity of sleep apnea.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
Noun
-
Minerals like calcium and magnesium can cling to the surface over time, especially in areas with high water hardness.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 July 2025
-
Generally speaking, high-quality Western knives have 59-62 HRC, a measurement of the hardness of materials, whereas Japanese knives’ HRC ranges from 60 to 65.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
The rigidity of the 75 Hard challenge is a turnoff for some people and has paved the way for a less strict version of the program to emerge.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
9 July 2025
-
My eating disorder was about control, rigidity, sameness.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
Stepping backward, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) increased the stringency of the state’s low carbon fuel standards (LCFS).—
Wayne Winegarden,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Before this report, private hot tubs were not required to be cleaned with the same stringency as public hot tubs according to CDC guidelines.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severity. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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