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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
Since its discovery, there was a belief that the bite of a Komodo could be lethal because it was said that, in addition to its potential to inflict severe lacerations, the animal’s saliva was so bacteria-laden that infection and septicemia could disable or kill a deer or buffalo.
—
Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
As the illness worsens, more severe symptoms can develop, like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare but potentially severe virus that in some cases can spread between humans through close contact.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Still, decades of dense vegetation growth have left large portions of the forest increasingly vulnerable to severe wildfire.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
As the illness worsens, more severe symptoms can develop, like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare but potentially severe virus that in some cases can spread between humans through close contact.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Still, decades of dense vegetation growth have left large portions of the forest increasingly vulnerable to severe wildfire.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
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Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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But creating that space has proven challenging, with plans for two new shelters in the city limits abandoned in recent years after fierce neighborhood opposition.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
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Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Regardless, much of the developing world is made up of much younger countries, with populations in Africa, for example, at much lower risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 than elderly individuals with comorbidities in the United States or Western Europe.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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If swallowed, button cell or coin batteries can cause severe internal chemical burns, serious injuries and death, the agency said.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Chase Meidroth made a shuffle toss to second base for a force out, but the Sox couldn’t complete what would have been a tough double play.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Our legislators must make some tough decisions; avoiding the issues is not acceptable.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The Aces scored 26 points off those giveaways, which made things even more difficult on the defense.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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Schiraldi oversaw a particularly difficult period on Rikers.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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And Shuter is also reporting that Lively wanted a strict NDA during settlement negotiations, but the Baldoni camp refused.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
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Baltimore residents support stricter penalties Parents who spoke to WJZ-TV supported stricter penalties.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Apparently, the gruff fighter Johnny Cage wasn’t much of a match for the all-powerful Miranda Priestly.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
10 May 2026
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Iron Maiden’s singer when Smith joined, Di’Anno, had short hair and a uniquely gruff voice but couldn’t cut it on the road.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On May 1, Maryland observed Fallen Heroes Day, a solemn reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice made by the men and women who answer the call to serve others.—
Nick Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
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Protesters carried myriad homemade signs, some tongue-in-cheek, some more solemn.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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