SEVERE Synonyms: 374 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'severe' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic , austere , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: When could 'ascetic' be used to replace 'severe'?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When can 'austere' be used instead of 'severe'?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: Where would 'stern' be a reasonable alternative to 'severe'?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

severe

adjective

sə-ˈvir

Definition of severe next

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

as in fierce

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance clergymen who dressed in severe clothing

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as in serious

not joking or playful in mood or manner the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial

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as in tough

difficult to endure a severe winter that was among the coldest on record

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a severe test of courage

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective severe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic, austere, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could ascetic be used to replace severe?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of severe?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to severe?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

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 From powerful freezes to blistering heat and the severe storms in between, our climate puts homes to the test all year long. —

Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 Seminole and Orange counties are experiencing moderate drought conditions, and large portions of Lake, Osceola and Volusia counties are under severe drought, according to the monitor. —

Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026 However, the highest chance for severe weather threats will be in the late afternoon and evening, according to Fox 59, when temperatures will approach the mid-60s. —

Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 19 Feb. 2026 Symptoms can progress to severe, persistent nausea and vomiting — known as hyperemesis — along with pain that usually starts at the top of the abdomen but later moves throughout it. —

Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for severe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe

Adjective

Prosecutors say the defendant failed to take into account his girlfriend’s inexperience in mountain climbing as well as the harsh winter conditions.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Bathroom Fixtures There are no harsh or abrasive chemicals involved in steam cleaning bathroom fixtures.

— Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026

Definition of harsh

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severances

severe

severed

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“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of severe

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