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
Historically, the country has experienced destructive earthquakes, including the 1967 Caracas earthquake, which killed hundreds and caused severe damage in the capital.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The event occurred inland (not under the ocean) and caused severe damage, at least one death, and more than a hundred injuries.
—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Inside the emergency department of Silver Cross Hospital that Monday, doctors and nurses were bracing for severe weather fallout, not something soft and cuddly.
—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the Kansas City area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
—
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The event occurred inland (not under the ocean) and caused severe damage, at least one death, and more than a hundred injuries.
—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Inside the emergency department of Silver Cross Hospital that Monday, doctors and nurses were bracing for severe weather fallout, not something soft and cuddly.
—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the Kansas City area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
—
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
-
Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
-
Despite a few glimmers of good feeling, today's fierce political divisions have redefined a milestone that has often been marked by unity and optimism, at least for a moment.
-
An uncontained blaze in Utah’s Juab County has scorched 34 square miles, forcing the evacuation of Eureka and nearby ranches as firefighters race to shield homes amid fierce winds.
Adjective
-
What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
-
The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
Adjective
-
Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
-
These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
-
Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
-
The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
Adjective
-
Under the law, California is able to set these stricter standards through a waiver from the EPA.
-
And extreme sports accidents renew calls for stricter regulations.
Adjective
-
But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
-
Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.
Adjective
-
To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.
-
The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
