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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
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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
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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
The disease can spread easily from person to person through contact with bodily fluids and cause minor to severe infections with a fatality rate of between 40% and 70%.
—
Devika Rao, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting Friday that is expected to last into next week.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday, from a looming government shutdown to a forecast for more severe cold.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Is the downside risk still as severe as in previous cycles?
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Devika Rao, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting Friday that is expected to last into next week.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday, from a looming government shutdown to a forecast for more severe cold.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Is the downside risk still as severe as in previous cycles?
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Before Getting Started When cleaning your oven, try to avoid using harsh oven cleaners or using the self-cleaning feature.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The origin of clemency is understood through the Federalist Papers as a need for mercy in instances when the criminal justice system was too harsh.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Those funds are caught in a fierce battle over Democratic proposals, now backed by some Republicans, to impose limits on the behavior of the ICE agents whose aggressive tactics in Minneapolis have left protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti dead.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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Game director Cary Trzcinski made sure emotions did not boil over and lead to a melee, sticking his thick body and fierce game face into one brewing moment in the second half.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Farther inland, strong and persistent winds will still pose serious problems.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Going through a severe injury is probably the toughest thing an athlete can go through.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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More companies are dialing back flexible work schedules and mandating that employees return to the office part-time or full-time, forcing women into tough situations.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This requires the difficult task of collecting precise, real-world measurements of complex nuclei and comparing the measurements with the models’ predictions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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While that process may prove difficult, the suspension option was hardly better.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Researchers examined containment, shielding, and redundancy measures to ensure compliance with strict safety expectations for civilian nuclear applications.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Wild Cards is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a spirited, clever con woman.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
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So did Paul Mescal, previously considered a lock, in best supporting actor for his portrayal of a gruff William Shakespeare.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The announcements were made during a solemn session marking the opening of the 2026 judicial year at the Supreme Court of Justice, at an official ceremony closed to the media.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
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Members of the British royal family traditionally take part in a number of solemn events to honor their sacrifices.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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