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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in tough
difficult to endure
a severe winter that was among the coldest on record
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In July, a severe lightning storm headed toward the Great South Bay Music Festival on Long Island kept at least 1,500 customers away during its reggae night, featuring Stephen and Damian Marley.
—
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The condition's most severe symptoms are sensitivities to spices, salt, and sweets, which means there's no reason to worry about a geographic tongue diagnosis.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
One survivor has irreversible neurological damage doctors linked to insulin, and another developed severe scoliosis after a potassium injection in the back.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Nearly a decade later, a Costa Rican woman had a severe brain hemorrhage cured.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The condition's most severe symptoms are sensitivities to spices, salt, and sweets, which means there's no reason to worry about a geographic tongue diagnosis.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
One survivor has irreversible neurological damage doctors linked to insulin, and another developed severe scoliosis after a potassium injection in the back.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Nearly a decade later, a Costa Rican woman had a severe brain hemorrhage cured.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
The once-beloved pastels will become harsh.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The pilgrimage, listed on the official calendar of jubilee events, comes as gay Catholics look to Pope Leo XIV to continue down the bold path of his predecessor to welcome into the church a group that has in the past faced alienation and sometimes harsh treatment.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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In August, the discontent grew when a leak showed that the White House's forthcoming MAHA strategy report would sidestep tougher limits on pesticides and other agrochemicals, bowing to fierce industry pressure.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Thankfully, the most recent accident was less serious, and Sabrina and their unborn child were ultimately okay.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have dispatched their only serious rival in three straight majors, largely making every other match at these tournaments feel almost immaterial.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s a tough dichotomy to bridge, but the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS achieves it brilliantly.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The tough stainless steel loops are reinforced and designed to remain rust-free even after years of use, and a three number combination lock will be easy to remember and difficult to crack.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Bulls look to be the best team in the Group of Five conferences, while the Gators and coach Billy Napier are now under pressure with a difficult SEC schedule ahead.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Usually the final day of boot camp is most difficult.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Neville said he's noticed many boutique and family-run hotels, especially in high-demand spots like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Santorini, booking out earlier than ever, requiring full deposits up front, and enforcing strict cancellation policies.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Jackets, ties, nylons and shoulder pads made a comeback, all in strict adherence to a dress code that hadn't been revised in decades.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Busta also received an assist from Papoose and Joyner Lucas, all of them sharing lyrical wordplay and seamless tradeoffs as Busta swung between his trademark dichotomy of rapping to gruff bellowing.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The Old Man was short and gruff and had chin whiskers.—
Robert Easton,
Outdoor Life,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Cape Town overflows with history and culture, from the colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage of Bo-Kaap to the solemn shores of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
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Perhaps that should be a solemn oath for all AI makers.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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